Photo By Lewis Hilburn | A military supporter waves at traffic to show his support to service members Saturday....... read more read more
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LAKEWOOD, Wash. - The first Saturday of every month a group of people meet on Freedom Bridge outside of the Madigan gate, to stand on the bridge and wave American flags at motorists as they pass by. Beneath them, tied to the rail of the bridge is a sign that reads, Support the Troops “Honk.”
I had the pleasure of meeting this group of people and I discovered this is a tradition that started two years ago by Robin Roy and her friend. They wanted to support the service members of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, so they stood on a bridge and waved their flags. Two years later, the group has grown but the purpose remains the same; support the troops.
Before I even walked up to the bridge, the sounds of motorists honking could be heard from a distance. Some motorists would simply honk once, some would honk repeatedly, and others press on the horn until they pass the bridge. People leaving JBLM were honking as well. The constant barrage of horns was almost deafening.
“It’s a wonderful way to show our appreciation to the men and women in uniform and it’s a way to feel really wonderful about your country,” Roy stated.
This diverse group had all corners of the Freedom Bridge covered. They stood on the sidewalks of the bridge, in the grass, and on the side of the road at exit 122 off Washington Interstate 5. I walked by them barely avoiding being slapped in the face by their flags.
“This is my first time out here,” said Andrew Hooks as he was waving his flag for motorists to see on this overcast day. “This is a great way to support the troops and I encourage anyone to come out.”
Roy said it doesn’t take much to come out.
“Just bring yourself and an American flag and if you don’t have one don’t worry, because we have extra,” she said with a smile.
The group meets the first Saturday of every month between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Afterward, participants enjoy a lunch not far from the Freedom Bridge at a local restaurant.
The day may have been gloomy, but the diverse group’s spirit was bright and smiling as they waved their flag. A smile and a spirit that seemed to grow bigger and brighter with every honk.
| Date Taken: | 09.07.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2013 20:34 |
| Story ID: | 113416 |
| Location: | LAKEWOOD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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