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Patriotic Crowd Unfurls Salute

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By ANGELA DELGADO

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 14, 2008

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Jackie Miller and several hundred neighbors didn't let rain dampen their patriotic spirit during the annual Tampa Scottish Rite Patriotic Flag Day.

"I believe in America," she said, taking shelter from the storm. "I believe in supporting our troops and I love my country. I am out here to show support for all of it."

Miller, wearing red, white and blue star earrings, a red, white and blue plaid top, blue pants and red shoes, adorned her country's colors with a yellow ribbon pin to show her support for the troops.

"I think that if you love your country, this is an event you can enjoy," said Miller, a member of the Troops Support Alliance. "I understand rain kept some people away, but the heartland of America is here today."

Although Flag Day is actually today, Flag Day organizer Tom Vann thought the crowd would be larger if it were celebrated on Monday. Considering most schools are out, Vann said families were more apt to be going on vacation on the weekend.

So, despite the rain, about 100 people braved the weather and waved their flags in front of the Tampa Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 5500 Memorial Highway.

"Rain or shine, you're patriots ...," said Silvia Olson, of Lake Magdalene.

"Today we get to remember our country, our flag and what it stands for," said her friend Edna Richards, of Town 'N Country.

Still, once the weather worsened with lightning, the crowd ventured inside in time for the free barbecue dinner featuring chicken, ribs, cole slaw and tea.

Performer Debby Bacon entertained the crowd before the big show began. This year's event honored Vietnam War veterans. The names of 439 local veterans who lost their lives during the war were read.

"When the Vietnam War was over, a lot of them didn't receive the recognition," Vann said.

The program also featured patriotic tunes by Edyth Roberts and the Heralds of Harmony, as well as a presentation of gold medals to five children who lost a parent in Afghanistan or Iraq. The medals were presented to them by Brig. Gen. Steven A. Hummer of the Marine Corps, U.S. Special Operations Command.

The five children were Keira Jackson, Hunter Vance, Jocelyn and Isabella Rogers and Bryan Christian Luckey Jr.

Bryan's grandfather, Patrick Luckey, was there to see him receive the gold medal and honor his son, Army Sgt. Bryan C. Luckey, who died June 29, 2006, when he was shot by an enemy sniper while riding on the back of a Stryker vehicle in Mosul, Iraq.

"It feels good that they're honoring him," he said.

Reporter Angela Delgado can be reached at (813) 865-1501 or adelgado@tampatrib.com.

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