ETSU will be given the chance to show its support to the soldiers serving overseas in the war in Iraq Tuesday.
Jennifer Smith went to Pi Kappa Alpha and the ETSU ROTC to gain sponsorship for a Support the Troops Rally. Smith felt that there were many people who were coming out either supporting or protesting the war but none really coming out in the nothing more then support for the troops.
“I just wanted people to know that there are people who do stand behind their troops,” she said.
The event 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m on Tuesday.
Smith said that there would be a scrapbook set up if people want to write a message or note to the troops.
A digital camera will also be set up if the message writers would like to have a picture taken and placed above the message.
The picture is not a requirement though.
Smith will also be collecting items to send to the troops such as pre-packaged food items, books, CDs, cassettes, baby wipes, shaving cream and any other items people would like to include.
She said the soldiers are in desperate need of these items.
“That’s mainly why we’re there, for the scrapbook and for the people bringing items, ” Smith said.
There will also be veterans speaking at the rally.
Smith said she has e-mailed every veteran on campus.
Mark Peters, who has spoken at other rallies on campus, will be among the speakers.
Smith said she was told faculty members could speak at the rally, but not staff members.
According to Smith, this is not a rally to protest war, but it is not a rally to support war either.
She said people have not been able to separate the idea of supporting the troops from the idea of supporting the war.
“I don’t necessarily want us at war, but we’re there and these men and women are dying and deserve our support,” Smith said.

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