A small crowd honors service
men and women

BY CHUCK TUCK | JOURNAL REPORTER Troop Rally in downtown Lake Stevens brings out many in the community. This annual event shows military personnel the love and support the Lake Stevens community has for them. On a beautiful spring day, the American Legion Post 181 held its “Support the Troops Rally” to a significant sized gathering of people. Among the 65 to 70 people at the Lake Steven’s second annual Armed Forces Day was, Marine Cpl. Tyler Farmer.

“It just means a lot to have the support of the community,” the twenty something year-old Farmer who served in Iraq said.

He and other members of the community came out Saturday afternoon to pay homage to those active and non-active military personnel for their patriotism and service to the United States of America.

It was a perfect day to have the Blackjack flying club from Arlington to fly over Lake Stevens in perfect formation in their single-engine planes. This year’s fly-over was planned over the lake allowing for a lower flight than last year’s 5,000 mile altitude.

In anticipation, everyone gathered at the cover overlooking the lake waiting for expert pilots to show off their technique.

At exactly 1:00 p.m., as scheduled, you could hear the low, thunderous rumble of the planes engines above.

The first fly-by was in formation, and minutes later the second fly-by overhead was to signify those lost in the line of duty with the missing man formation. Those who have served or have family members or friends serving certainly understand the significance of this emotional formation.

Once the fly-by concluded, the crowd of people walked to the War Memorial and children waved the American flags holding each other’s hand, skipping and smiling.

Once in front of the memorial, the large group of people from the community stood proud and poised for the annual photo.

The photo, which can be downloaded by going to www.post181.org can be forwarded to service men and women all over the globe and is meant to let them know of America’s gratitude.

The local American Legion Post 181 would also like to have anyone with family members or friends serving at this time, to contact them to keep the Post aware of service member whereabouts.

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