Rally to support troops puts focus on U.S. flag

A gathering of military families and others in Cape Girardeau on Saturday was not so much about going to war, said its organizer. But it was about enduring freedom.

"It is called a flag rally because it is not for or against possible warfare, it is just to show support for our troops and what our flag represents," said Donna Sternickle of Jackson, who organized the rally.

Sternickle, whose former husband served in the military, said the rally was especially for Southeast Missouri troops stationed both overseas and stateside, as well as their families. The tribute was held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3838 facility in Cape Girardeau.

The rally included a heartfelt speech by veteran Bill Harkey of Cape Girardeau and a rendition of "America the Beautiful" by Notre Dame Regional High School seniors Casie Janet and Chereka Kluttz, both of Cape Girardeau.

Another flag rally is planned for February at the VFW hall, and Sternickle will schedule more if the United States enters into conflict with Iraq or another country.

"If people want to show their support by flying flags or tying yellow ribbons, it would be greatly appreciated," Sternickle said.

During his talk, Harkey didn't even mention his own 23 years of military service but instead described the character and life of his son-in-law, Daniel McCollum, a Marine killed in the line of duty in Pakistan a year ago.

"Today we pay tribute to our nation's symbol of freedom, our national banner of freedom -- the Stars and Stripes," Harkey said. "We also remember those who represent the very best of our best, those whose selfless service in war and peace has protected the very freedom that allows us to assemble here today."

Jenny Harkey talked about what it means to be married to a soldier.

"You have to have an adventurous spirit to be a military spouse," she said. "I was an only child, and Southeast Missouri was all I knew, but we moved to Germany after we got married, and we loved it."

Harkey said the hardest part for her was when the family lived in Bahrain, an island off the coast of Saudia Arabia, in August 1990. Military families were evacuated at that time as the United States started preparing for possible warfare.

"I remember saying good-bye at the airport, and neither one of us knew if we would ever see each other again," she said. "That was hard."

Commander Fletcher Chasteen welcomed everyone present at Saturday's flag rally on behalf of VFW Post 3838. An opening prayer was given by Columbia Sternickle, the 13-year-old daughter of Donna Sternickle. A closing prayer was given by VFW Post 3838 Chaplain Floyd Smith.

Yellow bows and small flags were distributed to all, as well as information about the American flag.

The ceremony also included comments by Jackson Mayor Paul Sander and Cape Girardeau Mayor Jay Knudtson. Colors were posted by an Army recruiter and a Marine soldier.

Sander's father, Leonard, served in the military during World War II. His brother, Fritz, served in the Air Force and was stationed in the United States during peacetime and the Vietnam conflict.

"One of the things I fear is that people may be beginning to forget about the terrorist attacks in our country. Americans are forgiving and, as time goes by, we tend to relax a little bit," Sander said. "However, I would not consider any conflict with Iraq a new war, but a continuation of the war declared on America Sept. 11, 2001."

jgosche@semissourian.com

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