ZNet | Anti War
What Does It Mean to 'Support the Troops'? by Mark T. Harris; October 06, 2007
NORMAL, IL.—The Illinois town of Normal is the typical American town for more than the suggestiveness of its name. Situated in the heart of central Illinois, it constitutes together with neighboring Bloomington a mid-sized metropolitan area. It is a mostly affluent community, thanks to the presence of insurance giant State Farm's corporate headquarters. It is also largely conservative, despite the presence of two universities.
The area is also home to the National Guard's 33rd Military Police Battalion. It was here that several thousand local residents lined Normal's Main Street on September 27 to greet the 33rd Battalion as it returned from a year's deployment in Iraq. The scene was festive as police squad cars and motorcycle contingents draped with large American flags led the procession of convertibles carrying members of the battalion. The cheering, flag-waving crowd included groups of local schoolchildren, State Farm employees and others given time off to attend the parade.
Full at <http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=51&ItemID=13969>
Mark is a member of BNCPJ.
Carrol