By Marie McCain
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Supporters of the U.S. war effort and America's troops stand at attention as bagpipes play Tuesday at a rally in Clermont County. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

BATAVIA - Hundreds of Clermont County residents turned out Tuesday night for a rally to honor the U.S. troops serving in the war against Iraq.

The event was originally scheduled as an outdoor celebration, but rain forced organizers to move it inside.

A capacity crowd packed the Batavia Armory, and hundreds more stood outside. Waving flags and singing patriotic songs, those in the crowd ignored thunder and occasional raindrops.

"They're enduring sandstorms over there," one attendee was heard to say of the troops. "The least we can do is stand a little rain."

Inside the Armory, crowds listened to featured speakers such as Clermont County Sheriff A. J. "Tim" Rodenberg Jr., an ex-Marine; Lee Whitaker, a former prisoner of war during the Korean conflict; and Lance Woodward, director of the Clermont County Veterans' Service Commission.

Woodward, who served in the Navy shortly after the Vietnam War, said support for U.S. troops is imperative. His nephew, Christopher Woodward, 25, is a Marine serving in a Special Forces unit in the Middle East.

"This war is nothing like we experienced in the past. The troops have the ability to immediately know the mood in America."

Outside, Amelia residents Ed Clock and Jane Long said freedom and a love of their country brought them out Tuesday night. Both have sons in the Army.

""I believe in freedom," Long said. "Things like this make news, and the news gets to our troops. They hear about this, and morale increases."

E-mail mmccain@enquirer.com.