Lansing - Four-year-old Katie Shotwell showed her national pride Friday. Katie, a Lansing resident, was among hundreds gathered at Oldsmobile Park to celebrate America in the aftermath of attacks in Washington and New York.
“I love America,” said Katie, who attended the rally with family members.
Many participants came to the park, 505 E. Michigan Ave., dressed in red, white and blue and some waved American flags from the stands. Eventgoers left the stands and flooded the baseball field to sing patriot songs. Some later addressed the crowd to speak about American dignity.
Julie Elliott of Lansing took her 2-month-old daughter, Mya, to the rally. One day, Elliott said, she plans to explain the past week’s events to her daughter.
“Hopefully, I’ll be able to tell her that we conquered our enemies, and that’s why we continue to have our freedoms,” Elliott said.
There was no other place Lansing resident Carol Cadwell would have rather been Friday.
“I think it is just amazing,” she said. “I’m impressed with the turnout, and I’m happy to see so many people showing their support.”
Even though Cadwell said she was distressed by the attacks, events like those at the park strengthen her.
“It makes me feel a lot better about what happened because people will come together and stand up for the country,” she said.
Some supported the rescue efforts in New York City and Washington by donating to the American Red Cross, which had volunteers accepting donations as participants arrived and left.
“It’s a good cause,” said Dennis Healy, a Red Cross volunteer. “People feel for the loss of life in New York City, and they want to help somehow. Giving money to organizations like the Red Cross is one the best things they can do.”
Lansing resident Ryan McNamara brought his family to the park and said he’s proud of elected officials.
“We came to support the city, country and the folks that are going through the disaster - and President Bush,” he said. “We have to end terrorism. It’s about time.”
Others showed up in support of family members who are taking part in rescue efforts.
“What happened didn’t just happen in New York and Washington, it happened to America and to every single one of us,” said Lansing resident Kim Novak, whose sister-in-law joined in relief efforts in New York City during the weekend. She also had some words for those responsible for the attacks.
“I hope to God they know what they got themselves into because America is coming in full force,” Novak said.
