By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
January 1, 2005

MCMINNVILLE, Tenn. - The idea for a New Year's Eve vigil for the troops grew out of a conversation among friends at a coffee shop just a couple of weeks ago.

Connie Ditmore said she never imagined that 300 people would show up.

"We were just petrified that there would only be 10 of us with our candles, but we were bound and determined to do it," said Ditmore, whose husband, Staff Sgt. Robert Ditmore, is in Iraq.

"This just tickles us. We are really thankful and humble for all the people who came out here to support our husbands," she said.

The event honored members of the Tennessee National Guard's 278th Regimental Combat Team, which was deployed to Iraq in the fall.

The festivities included speeches by McMinnville Mayor Royce Davenport; Staff Sgt. David Smith, who served in Iraq; a pastor of a local church; and a few of the soldiers' wives.

There also was a video camera for people to record messages that will be sent to troops in Iraq and an American flag for people to sign.

"I told them that we miss them and to hurry up and come home," said Vicky Gibbs, of McMinnville, who has several friends in the 278th. "We're waiting for them, and we're supporting them as much as we can."

Billy Pitman, a McMinnville resident who formerly served in the 278th, said the outpouring of support was good to see.

"People say that they (National Guardsmen) are just weekend warriors, but it's a lot tougher than that," he said. "They are making a lot of sacrifices to serve our country."

The 278th is made up of soldiers from Tennessee, Wisconsin, Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. More than 3,200 soldiers in the 278th are Tennessee National Guard members.

This is the first time the entire 278th has deployed since the Korean War and is Tennessee's largest deployment since World War II.

Ditmore said the purpose of the vigil was to remind the public of the guardsmen's' sacrifices.

"I hope that people remember and pray for our soldiers," she said. "I hope they remember where our spouses are and what they're doing for us." ___

Story Copyright to Chattanooga Times Free press