Everett youth show their spirit with impromptu patriotic rallies
Published 9:00 pm Thursday, September 13, 2001
By Theresa Goffredo
Herald Writer
EVERETT — Madison Street rocked with noise Thursday evening, but the neighbors weren’t complaining. They encouraged it.
At least 25 residents, from 6 to 45 years old, stood on the sidewalk with flags, candles and hand-lettered signs reading "Proud to be an American" and "Honk for America."
Many didn’t just honk, but sat on their horns or blared them repeatedly. Four firetrucks passed by, several of them turning on their sirens briefly. Cabs, buses, cars and trucks drove by and honked, many bearing their own flags.
This was just one of many impromptu and planned gatherings around Snohomish County inspired by the terrorist attacks Tuesday on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Thursday was the second night neighborhood youths and others sought the sounds of solidarity and patriotism to honor those who died in the attacks. On Wednesday night, they counted 336 honks. On Thursday, they tallied 1,557.
Tonight, they’re hoping to do even better.
"The kids were desperate to show the compassion that just seemed to be oozing out of them," said Hollie Allen, 45, who organized the sign delegation, hunted the city for American flags and bought fleece material to make a banner of American flags. The kids brought candles to hold, as well as numerous ones they placed on the ground to illuminate the banner.
"This is the picture that is unfolding before us — compassion and sacrifice," Allen said. "I have faith in America. It will not be difficult for America to pull together — our time, our money, our hearts, our compassion will never die. We will become stronger. It will take sacrifice on all our parts."
Natalie Cammilleri, 13, an Evergreen Middle School student, was one of the energetic youths angling for a blaring response.
"It’s really good how the schools are making us write about what happened and not letting us be confused, and providing counselors," she said. "I feel really bad about what’s happened to those people. They didn’t deserve it."
You can call Herald Writer Cathy Logg at 425-339-3437
or send e-mail to logg@heraldnet.com.
