Golden Leads Brooklyn As They Gather To Support Our Troops

Brooklyn- State Senator Marty Golden hosted Brooklyn’s Support The Troops Rally yesterday, Sunday, June 11, 2006, in John Paul Jones Park, 4th Avenue and 101st Street in Brooklyn. The program featured patriotic music performances, inspirational speeches, the distribution of "Support Our Troops" posters and lawn signs.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Eagle Scout Peter Inga of Troop 99 of the Boy Scouts of America, St. Athanasius Parish. Staff Sergeant Gigi Theocharides performed the "National Anthem", "I Believe in You and Me" , "Wind Beneath My Wings" and concluded with "God Bless America".

Major Douglas A. LeVien, U.S. Army, who is on a two week R and R visit to his home in Brooklyn served as a speaker. Steve Neftleberg, the Regional Director of the Veterans of Foreign War, spoke as well. A strong showing of support from Rolling Thunder and the Patriot Guard were among the many who joined Golden in salute to our troops.

Senator Golden in his remarks stated, "Today, we are the best of Brooklyn. We are the best of New York City. We are the best of America. For if we are not afraid to live under our flag, we can not be afraid to defend it. And that, my fellow Americans, is the mission of our Armed Services. The defense of our nation lies in their very able hands."

Golden continued, ""Our military has opened their ears and are waiting to hear such words. Today, we send to them this message: Your bravery is our strength and your courage is an inspiration. Your sacrifice shall never be forgotten. Your bravery has brought an end to and has disrupted terror cells. And it is your bravery that has protected America from future terror and we thank you."