Thanks especially to those who serve

Having started my day early Wednesday, I didn't take time to follow my regular routine and watch the 30 minutes of news I normally allow myself.

It wasn't until my co-workers started arriving in the newsroom that I heard of the celebrations occurring in Baghdad. And it wasn't until I arrived home in the evening that I was able to witness the moving images flashing across the television screen.

"Now," I told myself, tears welling up in my eyes as I watched the faces of people who were tasting freedom for the first time, "the whole world knows why we are there."

The leaders of the coalition are offering cautious optimism, saying there are still tough times ahead for coalition forces. But in reality, this can only be the beginning of the end of a war against a tyrant.

It's time to join the celebration of our friends -- these newly freed people.

But the true celebration for America won't start yet. The true celebration will begin when the phone rings and the voice on the other end echoes the words of Ozzy Osbourne -- "Mama, I'm coming home."

On that day, when they come back to the loving arms of their mothers and fathers, their husbands and wives, their sons and daughters, their community -- the true celebration will begin.

On that day, I'll meet you all at Norris Park and we'll offer a celebration for their safe return. We'll show them just how much their sacrifices have meant to us.

But before I can begin planning another rally, I have to first thank all those who made the first such a success.

Cal Siegfried who was responsible for carrying the rally to a smooth conclusion.

Mayor Jerda Garey who's emotional speech tugged the heartstrings of us all. With her voice filled with emotion, she offered her support of the families of the troops.

Cal Stratton of North Platte, whose message of patriotism and support for our troops was a moving reminder of the reasons we're blessed to live in the United States.

The Rev. Sam Williams, who shared his own experiences and offered words of comfort to those who are waiting for their loved one's return.

Larry Henderson of Norton, who read a moving poem titled "The Eagle's Tears."

The McCook High School Band, who played a variety of patriotic songs so beautifully and provided the haunting music of Taps, in honor of America's fallen heroes.

The American Legion who stood to honor those fallen.

Michelle Walkenshaw-Herrera and Kerri Unger and accompanists Jean Kirkus and Marie Coffey whose beautiful voices and melodious tunes brought the crowd to their feet and American pride to every heart.

The young Centralaires, under the direction of Evie Caldwell, who moved many of us to tears with their beautiful blend of youthful voices.

Members of the Nebraska Army National Guard, who returned early from maneuvers in Grand Island to stand at rigid attention, proudly displaying our country's colors, for nearly two hours.

The Revs. Frank Sevier and Steve Bales who asked for blessings on the troops and their families.

Rich Barnett with the McCook Radio Group and Jay Austin owner of KIOD-Coyote Country for advertising and covering the event.

Kenny Dow of Video Kingdom for providing the sound equipment.

Brad Hershberger of Hershberger Music for providing the Clavinova.

Wells Fargo for furnishing the display flag.

The Gazette for purchasing the flags.

My husband, Brad, my son Jeremy Meyers, and my good friend Penny Portz for helping set everything up and then tear it down.

And most importantly, the members of the military and their families, who were the reason we were there in the first place.