[Peace-discuss] the Blackhawks are home

[Karen Medina]

The Blackhawks are home. There was a fairly big turnout 
along University and at the Armory. I did not see the Mayor 
of Champaign there. It wasn't packed, but for a middle of 
the weekday event, it was crowded. 

The fire truck/police escort had their sirens on. 

There were reporters and tv cameras. Some company was 
handing out copies of today's News-Gazette.

Most of the troops were in their 30's and 40's. Most were 
white males. Many African American, a few Hispanic and 
Asian, and several women. Children of these troops ranged in 
ages from tiny babies to teenagers to grown kids. Lots of 
flags planted along the Armory sidewalks.

BTW, it sounds like other Illinois National Guard troops are 
preparing to head to Iraq soon.

-karen medina