The Town of Oyster Bay and the town's Veterans Advisory Council, along with the Bethpage Chamber of Commerce and the Bethpage and Plainview Fire Departments, sponsored a rally on Sunday, April 6 in support of the coalitions troops fighting in Iraq. The same week, a similar well-attended rally was held in Massapequa.

Town residents, including families of military personnel, veterans, emergency services personnel, civic and service organizations, and public officials from throughout Oyster Bay Township gathered to show their support.

A high-spirited crowd filled the Bethpage Rail Road Station area. Many carried signs declaring support for the troops and shouted unified chants of "U.S.A."

Master of Ceremonies was Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto and guest speakers included Congressman Peter King and Nassau County Legislator Edward Mangano (R-Bethpage). Joseph Slattery, commander of the Nassau County American Legion, and commanders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America and the Jewish War Veterans of America were also on hand.

Hicksville resident Arlene Howard, a past commander of the Nassau County American Legion and mother of the late George Howard, a New York Port Authority officer who perished in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, recited the Pledge of Allegiance at the rally's opening.

The rally closed on a proud, poignant note with parents of family members serving in Iraq coming up to the podium to announce the name and military branch their sons, daughters or loved one is serving.

"These rallies have been organized to give town residents an opportunity to show their support for the men and women of our armed forces who are bravely defending our freedoms," said Venditto.