2008 Woodie Awards
United We Stand
Sindy Diaz
Issue date: 5/12/04 Section: Features
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On May 2 at 1 p.m., Azusa residents gathered at the heart of city hall to demonstrate unity and support for American military personnel.
Several carried with them photographs of loved ones. Others carried banners reading, "Freedom is not free," and shouting, "Support our troops" to passersby. People in cars honked back to show their support.
"No matter how we feel about the war, we are here to support our troops," said Mark Ades, a member of the Cultural and Historic Preservation Commission. "These men and women are out there fighting for us, and we have to let them know that we have not, and will not forget them."
The event was sponsored by the Azusa Veterans Committee and organized by its Chairman Joe Rocha.
Rocha received a letter from a former student acknowledging the support from the city of Azusa, and then Rocha decided to organize a rally to continue showing troops of the city's support.
"We want to show soldiers and their parents that we are here for them," Rocha said.
Pictures were taken during the rally and will be e-mailed to the troops in Iraq.
In attendance at the rally, was the family of Azusa's first Iraqui war casualty, Leroy Harris-Kelly III, who thanked everyone for their support.
"Leroy has made unity in every way," said his mother, Guiselle Harris-Kelly. "Whether you are black, white or Hispanic, he was a friend to everyone."
Liz Jimenez, 22, who returned from Iraq in January after serving in the Army for three years, attended high school with Harris-Kelly.
"It is hard to know that it is someone who you went to high school with, but it is even harder when he is a fellow soldier," Jimenez said.
Matthew Velasquez, 21, another graduate from Azusa High, returned from military service in Iraq in September.
After they were presented, they both gave speeches and thanked those present for their support.
"It feels good to be home," Jimenez said. "It was tough out there, but it helps to know that we have the support from people back home."
The living conditions in Iraq are bad, Jimenez said.
"I hope our troops come home soon, they don't need to be over there," she said.
On Saturday at 10 a.m. there will be a ceremony in memory of Harris-Kelly. City officials are looking forward to a greater turnout.
Senator Gloria Romero, Congresswoman Hilda Solis and Ed Chavez, 57th Assembly District representative will be in attendance.
"We might not agree on the reason our men and women are there, but we will still support them," Rocha said.