Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 17, 1991 TAG: 9102170213
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOE TENNIS/ SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Ferguson, pastor of New River Baptist Temple in Radford, spoke at a "Support our Troops Rally" Saturday afternoon at Radford University's Preston Auditorium. Most of his speech centered on his sons.
"I thank God they're not a bunch of scumbags who rot and deprave humanity by burning the flag and burning the draft card," Ferguson said. His words were cut short by an explosion of cheers and applause.
"I've got a boy who hasn't had a bath in 25 days," Ferguson said. "He's in a foxhole. He's right at the border of Kuwait. And I hope he knows today that his daddy's pulling for him. I hope he knows there is a president, a country and people right here today who still love America."
American flags waved above the cheering audience of nearly 75 people.
Between speakers, the rally's master of ceremonies - university professor Brack Smith - relentlessly encouraged the audience to raise and wave their flags. "The more flag-waving, the better," Smith said.
Patriotic anthems such as "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" revved up the crowd.
Radford Mayor Tom Starnes asked for support of the military and their families at home. "Not only are we saying to the troops that we are united and we support what you are doing," he said, "but we are also saying to other countries that the United States is united."
Freshman Beth Chance of Rockville, Md., helped organize the rally. Last month, she assembled a candlelight vigil on the university's Moffett Field to support the troops.
Since September, Chance has written letters to two soldiers stationed in the Middle East. "I need them as much as they need me," Chance said at the rally. "I need them to know that I support them in every move they make and that this would not be another Vietnam."
by CNB