Excerpts from:  25 Sep 2001 Issue

Rally for America - Extra Insert

Featuring photos of DeKalb County's rally of support and prayer for the victims of September 11th's attack.    Firemen's and Law Enforcement Tribute, Aaron Tippin debuting new song "Where the Stars & Stripes, and the Eagle Fly," and Military Salute.  Pick up a copy at a store near you!

For additional Aaron Tippin rally photos, click on:
 'Rally For America' cover 

DeKalb Rallies for America

By CHRIS TRAMEL

Thousands of DeKalb Countians filled the eastside of the Square on Tuesday, September 18th, as local residents showed their support and patriotism for the country after the tragic events in New York and Washington, D.C.

The event was moderated by Smithville/DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Don Rigsby with the Community Chorus performing along with Clarence Young and Thea Tippin.

The Upper Helton Baptist Church’s Brother Thurman Seber offered prayer for the victims of the terrorist attacks and Smithville Alderman Bert Driver, Ed Fuqua and Smithville Attorney Chris Cantrell gave rousing speeches expressing their patriotism and the country’s outrage over the cowardly attacks.

Local firemen and law enforcement were on hand to honor New York rescuers who lost their lives while attempting to save victims in the attacks.

In a show of unity, DeKalb County, Smithville and Alexandria Firemen along with the Smithville/DeKalb Rescue Squad, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Smithville Police Department, DeKalb EMS workers, Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officers, TWRA Officers, 911 dispatchers, Smithville City Dispatchers and DeKalb Court Officers marched out to the sounds of bagpipes to show respect for their fallen brothers.
The nation’s military was also honored as representatives from each branch stood at attention as the crowd showed its support.

The event was topped off by country artist Aaron Tippin debuting his new song "Where the Stars & Stripes, and the Eagle Fly."  Tippin told the crowd that all proceeds from the song will go to the American Red Cross.

For a pictorial history of the event see the Rally for America Extra - in this week’s The Middle Tennessee.