MONUMENT: TROOPS PRAISED IN SCOTT CITY

SCOTT CITY -- Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein made a fatal mistake when he underestimated America's will to fight for freedom and justice.

Those were the thoughts of state Rep. Ollie Amick Sunday at the dedication of a monument to the 27 Scott City servicemen participating in Operation Desert Storm.

"Saddam Hussein said that Americans lack the will to fight, that it (will power) would be easily broken. What he did not know, and he does not know is the resolve of the people here in Scott City, here in America," said Amick.

The lawmaker spoke to a crowd of about 100 people Sunday afternoon on the parking lot in front of the Scott City Administration Building.

Amick recalled the words of Union Gen. William T. Sherman: "It has been said that war is hell. Every veteran standing here today will attest to that, and so will those families who had to share sons and daughters with the government to preserve freedom and justice in our world.

"Yes, war is truly hell. America hates war, but it also hates tyranny, oppression, and injustice even more," he added.

Amick said 50 years ago the villain was Adolph Hitler. "Today, the villain is Saddam. Today, our ground troops have moved into Kuwait. Their mission is to oust that madman, the villain of the people, to remove him from power," he said.

Amick suggested Hussein over-estimated the significance of the anti-war demonstrations that have occurred since the war began. "Yes, there are those who demonstrate, " he said. But what he (Hussein) does not know is that this gathering here today is in support of freedom that we cherish so greatly. It is this very freedom that allows our people to demonstrate against our government and its actions."

But Amick warned trying times may still be ahead for America, and that their unwavering support for the troops must continue.

"These, truly, are the times that test men's souls," he said. "Ancient armies fought only ground wars. Today modern warfare is fought on land, sea and air. We have won that phase of the war with minimum casualties. Our spirits will be challenged in these weeks, possibly months, as we come to see higher casualty lists."

The 10-foot high monument at the Administration Building is a project of the Scott City Kiwanis Club. It contains the name, rank, and branch of the military service of each of the 27 servicemen from the Scott City area now serving in the Persian Gulf.

The idea for the monument came from one of the Kiwanis members, Don Roth.

"We felt it was important that we do something to try to identify all of the servicemen from Scott City, or those with close ties to Scott City, who are serving in Desert Storm," said Roth, following the dedication.

He said Mayor Shirley Young suggested a monument in the form of a pyramid because it is the symbol of life and protection.

The pyramid rotates on a base that is in the form of a large military drum, with the emblems of the 5 branches of military service painted on the side. The emblems were hand-painted by Scott City Police Dispatcher Tony Sparks.

On one side of the base, a plaque reads, "We the citizens of Scott City dedicate this symbol to honor and express our support of our troops serving in Desert Storm."

Roth said the pyramid and base were built by brothers, Joe and Rick Roberts.

Young said the monument will be lit at night and remain on display until the war ends and all of the servicemen return home.

Prior to the dedication, members of the Kelso Township Post 6407, Veterans of Foreign Wars, presented a new flag to the mayor, who was assisted by Fire Chief Les Crump in raising the flag on the new flag pole near the monument.

During the program, Mike Ruth, a member of the Scott City Kiwanis Club, sang a song that has become very popular since Desert Storm began, "I'm Proud to be an American."