It was a night for being raucously American as the crowd was encouraged to yell out "U-S-A; U-S-A; U-S-A," in support of our troops in Iraq on Thursday night, April 3 at the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay. Best of all, everything came together as people were asked to come to the microphone and give the name of their friend, relative, loved one serving in the armed forces. Men, women and children, parents, sweethearts and friends walked up, took a turn at the microphone to speak the names of those they are connected to who are serving in the armed forces in "Operation Iraqi Freedom."

The day needed nothing more to bring the community together in the realization of how many of our young people were taking part in "Operation Iraqi Freedom" the campaign to depose the regime of Dictator Saddam Hussein and to rid their country of weapons of mass destruction, that began on March 19.

"We hadn't planned on having people come up on stage. It just happened naturally on Wednesday at the Massapequa Rally," said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto. There were 3,000 people there. About 1,000 people attended the Oyster Bay Rally, the second of the town's three rallies to support the troops. The next was scheduled for Bethpage on Sunday, April 6. Mr. Venditto said of the recital of the names of the service people: "It was moving. It was unbelievable."

The name of PFC Justin Berbig, who is stationed in Afghanistan, was announced by his father. A recent graduate of Oyster Bay High School, Justin is a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, and is presently corresponding with the Humanities Club at the Roosevelt School in Oyster Bay. Many other local people were mentioned.

Bright lights, courtesy of the two Oyster Bay Fire Departments illuminated the way to the showmobile set up in Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. A giant American flag was suspended from the ladders of two fire trucks. The Oyster Bay Fire Company No. 1, the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company, the East Norwich Fire Company and the Syosset Fire Company were there, as were a multitude of veterans groups. Supervisor Venditto named them all, an impressive list. Flag bearers stood in front of the showmobile, as the stars and stripes flew side by side with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and MIA POW flags.

People in the crowd held posters: some saying 'Support the Troops', most with the a personal service person. Flags were given out. Many people had brought their own to fly proudly. Supervisor Venditto as the Master of Ceremonies introduced St. Dominic's Monsignor John Alesandro whose prayer asked God to save the wounded, and heal the injured. He blessed the veterans for giving service to the community. He asked God to protect the innocent Iraqi citizens, saying, "We know we are all brothers and sisters under one God." He asked that the troops eradicate terrorism and bring peace to mankind. "Let them know we are with them, we love them, and we want them back. God Bless America."

Supervisor Venditto introduced Morris Miller, Veterans of the Vietnam War National Education Program Director, saying: "Get them ready to rally!" Mr. Miller began the chant, "U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A." He ended with "And may God bless our troops and remember our POWs."

New York State Senator Carl Marcellino spoke forcefully. "Do we live in the greatest country in the world? Yes!" He held up the American flag and told people to show the flag, saying: "These colors don't run. They fly over the homes of the free and the brave!"

He said, "The troops are fighting for freedom: to free a country from a man who kills his own people." He praised rescued 19-year-old POW Pvt. Jessica Lynch saying, "She fought like a tiger for freedom." Mr. Marcellino said no American wants war, but that this country will always be there when there is a need to fight for freedom. "Keep this flag flying," he said.

Supervisor Venditto said, "We live in a very great nation where we enjoy many wonderful freedoms. We live in a great town with a quality of life second to none. You can't find a nicer place to live." He introduced Dean Karahalis, who conducted the New York Brass Choir, in an Armed Forces medley.

Nassau County Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Jack Stein said "As Americans we all know what it means to be free. We are a peaceful nation. We are not afraid of war. We do what is right and we protect freedom. Our gallant soldiers have their mission and we have our own - we must let them know we support them and when they get home we'll give them the biggest celebration ever." He asked the crowd to give three U-S-As "Loud enough to be heard in Baghdad."

American Legion Commander Joe Slattery said, "What a wonderful night. We came together to show our support of the troops, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard. We are here because we love them, and for their families and friends and relatives that support them."

He said, "Freedom is not free. They are keeping them from knocking at our doors. Let's turn their coming home rallies into a major celebration." He added that it was different when he and many other veterans came home: "We came back and we weren't welcomed," he said.

Tim Glover, the 2nd VP of the VFW Chapter 82 thanked Supervisor Venditto for creating the event. He said, "The veterans thank Supervisor Venditto for letting our voices be heard in support of the troops. Not supporting them had a demoralizing effect that occurred in Vietnam. Let's take pride in the skill and courage of our great troops. Let us show our pride for our troops. Let the world know we - the majority - support the President of the United States."

Mr. Venditto introduced Elizabeth Abbate of Bayville whose husband is in Iraq. "My husband grew up in Oyster Bay. He would be so proud today," she said as she was presented with a banner for her home." Her husband, First Class Petty Officer Leonard Abbate is a Seabee in the Navy in Kuwait, and was going to Iraq. His daughter Alexandra lives in California. Mrs. Abbate was presented with a flag with a red service star by Nassau County American Legion Commander Joe Slattery.

Mr. Venditto spotted Oyster Bay Cove Mayor Michael Peragine in the audience and asked him to come up and speak. "These are special people and we want to bring them all home. We've got the best men and the best equipment. They are going to march into Baghdad and get that SOB and send him to hell," Mayor Peragine said. There were cheers from the audience.

Mr. Venditto announced Colonel Roosevelt, aka James Foote, the TR impersonator. Speaking in the voice of President Theodore Roosevelt he said he was pleased at this showing of patriotic duty. "Patriotism is as much a duty in the time of peace as in time of war." He said it was important to preserve and defend the country, especially in a time of "righteous war" adding that people are willing to die for a shining ideal. He said, "I do believe at this time they deserve our support. A big Bully U-S-A!"

Barbara Divas sang the Wind Beneath My Wings.

Mr. Venditto said, "This is a night to support our troops who have put themselves in harm's way to protect our way of life." That was when he invited the families to walk across the stage to let everyone know their family member's name.

Among them were former Oyster Bay resident Captain James Bonasia in Kuwait (who recently served in Kosovo); Captain Stacey Martin, who handles public information for the Locust Valley School District, now in Kuwait. The names came quickly with great pride and to great applause: a son serving on the USS Harry S. Truman; PFC Justin Berbig; a US Marine; Jason Williams on the USS Enterprise; Major Michael McCaffrey in the First Infantry; James Bruculleri; Lance Corporal Ryan; Travis Buffa in the US Navy; Brad D'Angelo, serving for the second time (he served in the Gulf War); William Hess in the Navy; Michael McCaffrey; Cpl. Joseph Clancy; a Lance Corporal; "My Uncle Mike"; and "My best friend Dan Viesac, a MASH nurse stateside." (That is just an attempt to list the many people who stood up to let their loved ones be counted.)

"The silent majority became not so silent tonight," said Mr. Venditto. Jim Foote returned to the stage to say, "TR thanks Mr. Venditto for having the family members coming up." Mr. Venditto summed the evening up saying, "In the days ahead you'll see a lot of these rallies. If the day ever comes that we stop gathering like this, then we are going to lose the quality of life we have. You keep doing this: support the troops."

"Americana is really woven into the fabric of Oyster Bay," said Kurt Ludwig, of the town's public information office.