Republicans hold troop-support rally

Approximately 40 to 50 people gathered around the flagpole at noon yesterday to take part in a rally to support American troops serving in the Persian Gulf.

In the opening speech, the Tufts Republicans attempted to clarify the purpose of the rally. "This is not a pro-war gathering, this is a support-our-troops gathering," senior Sam Dangremond said. "This is a gathering to unite as a Tufts community and to thank our troops."

Anti-war protesters did have a presence at the rally, bringing signs and banners that read "No war," "War on Iraq: The rich lie, the poor die," and "Bomb Texas: they have oil, too!" in an attempt to drown out patriotic songs like Bruce Springstein's "Born in the USA" that blared from a stereo.

Conflict between the two groups was minimal, as Dangremond requested, "We didn't interrupt your rally, and we'd appreciate it if you didn't interrupt ours."

Following the opening remarks, lyrics sheets were passed out, and both "The Star Spangled Banner" and "America the Beautiful" were sung by attendees.

Three Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) members from the Medford community came to share a few words of support and encouragement with the crowd. "This is not a question of who is right and wrong... Everyone needs to realize that our service people are out there, protecting us. I'm proud to be here and I'm proud to be a part of this," VFW member Frank Guerriero said.

"Support our troops, keep them out of harm's way," echoed fellow VFW member Richard Hill.

A request to sing "Proud to be an American" was granted, and the rendition was a big hit with the crowd. Dangremond then asked if anyone would like to come forward and honor someone they knew who was overseas at the moment. He began by praising the boyfriend of a close high school friend who chose to serve in the army instead of attending college.

"This is someone who I have tremendous respect for," Dangremond said.

Five or six other students stepped forward, honoring high school friends, uncles, cousins, mentors, West Point cadets, and former Tufts classmates.

The rally, which lasted about half an hour, was ended on a solemn note by Dangremond. "The situation here is grave, but I think we have something to be proud of," he said.

Students were able to mingle and speak with the VFW members afterwards, and many students expressed great thanks to the men.

Tufts Republicans contacted outside media sources to attend the event, including members of The Boston Globe.

The rally sponsors made yellow ribbons that were passed out to attendees. "The yellow ribbons are a symbol from the first Desert Storm," explained Tufts Republicans President Anne Siarnacki.

"I think what many people on the other side of this issue fail to see is that Americans are dying overseas for our rights," Siarnacki said. "I don't see how you can protest peers and families who are at war. A lot of people in this community have people fighting, and I hope this is the message that gets out -- not 'steal their oil,' which is a huge misconception."