SOME ARE STILL PAYING ATTENTION

The ralliers drew attention with flags, signs and ribbons at the northeast part of the intersection.

"It seems like we're getting a lot of good response," said Rick Tellez of Ceres, whose son, Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Tellez, is in Iraq. "Everybody's honking. We haven't seen any anti-war support yet."

About 15 minutes later, a cry of "stop the war" came from a passing vehicle, but it was hard to hear over the playing of "God Bless the U.S.A." on the ralliers' boom box.

They turned briefly from the traffic to take part in a ceremony that featured recorded versions of the national anthem and the official songs of all the service branches. Assemblyman Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, praised President Bush for taking on Saddam and said many U.S. fighters want to know what fellow Americans think of the cause.

"So it's important that we continue to bring the message home that freedom isn't free, that it comes at a very high price," Cogdill said.

This group reminds me of the Lutz Patriots down in Florida.

Thanks to all who beat the drum for our soldiers.