Kristen Hallman of Lynchburg sings at the Cross Roads Rally at Chancellor Christian Church yesterday morning. msn View More Images from this story Visit the Photo Place

Roaring rally for freedom

Rally honors vets

By EDIE GROSS

Date published: 5/30/2004

By EDIE GROSS Local church sponsors Rolling Thunder send-off

It had been a few years since retired Army Col. Thomas Britt donned a uniform.

But the Spotsylvania County man, who retired in 1996 after 31 years in the military, looked sharp yesterday with silver eagles perched on his shoulders.

"It's a miracle I got this on," he joked partway through the Cross Roads Rally.

Britt and more than 100 others gathered under a tent next to Chancellor Christian Church on Brock Road for an old-fashioned prayer meeting and salute to America's veterans.

Sponsored by Promised Land Praise and Worship Center, the event attracted retired and active-duty military, families and Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, many of whom will ride to Washington today as part of the Rolling Thunder Ride For Freedom.

Britt, a Vietnam veteran who attends Chancellor Christian with his wife, Judy, said he appreciated the event's focus on prisoners of war and those missing in action.

"Sometimes we tend to forget. Vietnam was long ago," he said. "We still have people unaccounted for."

The Rev. Charles Olivieri, pastor at Promised Land Praise and Worship Center, said he started the Cross Roads Rally four years ago to remind people of the sacrifices made by America's fighting men and women.

"We started this strictly to honor veterans--plus I wanted to figure out a way to wear jeans to church," said Olivieri, a Vietnam veteran who will ride his Harley to D.C. this morning. "We just have a good time."

The rally featured a morning Bible service, followed by gospel and bluegrass performances, an introduction of veterans and a speech by state Del. Bobby Orrock, R-Spotsylvania.

"The men and women serving our country today are fighting for our freedoms just as hard as the Founding Fathers did years ago," Orrock said. "Freedom is under attack now more than ever."

Doug Saunders drove up from Winston-Salem, N.C., for the rally. He was diagnosed with throat cancer five years ago when he was living in this area, and doctors gave him six months to live.

But Olivieri and other friends prayed for him, and he's been healthy ever since, he said. He and his wife, Eunice, moved to North Carolina last April, so he missed last year's rally.

"I told Charlie if there was any way possible, I was coming this year," he said.

Rally organizers had struggled during the week to keep wind and rain from knocking over their extra-large tent. But skies yesterday were beautiful, and area businesses donated food and drinks to participants.

"The Lord has really blessed us," said Promised Land member Patricia Bell. "Each year, I hope people go back and tell everyone they know what a great, laid-back, fun way it is to observe Memorial Day weekend and honor God."

To reach EDIE GROSS: 540/374-5428 egross@freelancestar.com

Date published: 5/30/2004