Flag rally intended to show support for troops

To ensure that military personnel abroad and those still at home have proof of community appreciation, Donna Sternickle of Jackson has planned a flag rally for 1 p.m. Saturday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars facility in Cape Girardeau.

As an enlisted man's wife during Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991, Sternickle organized outdoor flag rallies at Fort Stewart in Georgia. These rallies for the 24th Infantry Division were filmed by local media and then mailed out to troops.

More than 700 people attended the final rally at Fort Stewart -- singing, praying and cheering, according to Sternickle.

"The reason I did it was for the troops and their families left behind and the other servicemen who were still stationed in the United States. Sometimes they do not know for sure that there is support for them in the community," Sternickle said.

"And the families needed to know they were not forgotten while in the midst of coming to grips with the uncertainties of a soldier being deployed."

Now that the need has arisen again, Sternickle is coordinating a flag rally supporting Southeast Missouri troops, whether they are stationed abroad or in the states, and their families.

This public rally will include special music, prayers and brief comments. Those invited to participate include representatives of the VFW, American Legion, Missouri Veterans Home, National Guard, U.S. Navy Reserve Training Center, military recruiters and ROTC.

Also speaking will be Bill Harkey of Cape Girardeau, whose son-in-law was killed while on active duty in Afghanistan. Following the event's prepared program, the podium will be open for comments by military personnel and families.

"I'd like to see a huge display of support for our troops," Sternickle said. "It has nothing to do with supporting a war, but everything to do with supporting our troops and their families.

The rally will last about an hour and will be held outside weather permitting, inside in the case of inclement weather. For more information, call Sternickle at 204-7645.