Published: September 30, 2006 07:05 pm      

Hundreds turn out to support Murtha

Local supporters gathered Saturday by the hundreds with picket signs and ponchos, cheering on a congressman they believe has been unjustly attacked.

And when U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, and his wife, Joyce, walked onto the stage at Central Park, the crowd closed in around the pair, supporters reaching out to shake Murtha’s hand.

Bob Martinazzi of Nanty Glo cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted: “We’re behind you, Jack!”

Murtha tipped his hand at the gesture.

“He’s a man of integrity who has the courage to speak what’s in his heart,” said Martinazzi, a retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Although proponents of the Boot Murtha campaign didn’t appear at the rally or make themselves known if they did, speakers and attendees responded to their anti-Murtha message.

“It just reflects on their ignorance of a great patriot,” Martinazzi said.

Fellow Marine John Bill Wells of Johnstown, who was a fighter pilot during World War II, praised Murtha for his outspoken views on the Iraq War – a stance that has launched Murtha into the national spotlight.

“We need more guys that have the guts to stand up to this administration,” Wells said.

Sharon Jeffreys of Johnstown, who arrived with about 20 people representing the Social Service Union, said she felt compelled to stand up for Murtha after his critics, such as those involved in the “Boot Murtha” campaign, aired accusations against the veteran congressman.

“This is really the first time, I think, that (Murtha) has needed us,” she said. “It’s really the first time you’ve even felt any challenge to him whatsoever for speaking out and telling the truth.”

Critics of Murtha are scheduled to gather at 2 p.m. today to voice their side of the issues at the Cambria County War Memorial.