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Rage Honour True American Heroes

March 7, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
RiverCity Rage News Release


The River City Rage, of the National Indoor Football League, held a Press Conference on Thursday, March 3rd, 2005 to announce the theme of their Home Opener and honour two men who played a role in the Iraqi quest for both voting rights and ultimate freedom.

Rage Director of Media Relations Mike Thompson opened the Press Conference by welcoming the media and civic leaders to the Comfort Suites, St. Charles.

Mike then brought St. Charles Mayor Patty York to the podium. Mayor York told of her own son having served in Iraq and the uncertainty harboured by parents of those who have served in the strife torn county.

"In my mind, it was all made worth while," said Mayor York, "when my son came home and described how a little girl saluted him and said ‘thank you' for serving our country. It made my heart jump and made me realize there is much honour in serving one's country in any cause."

Thompson then introduced two of the Rage Majority Owners, Tye Elliott and Scott Wilson who announced that the home opener on March 26th has been designated ‘Celebrate Democracy Day' in St. Charles, coinciding with the Rage plans to recognize military personnel who have served in Iraq at the game that evening. Among the festivities will be a ‘Heroes Half-Time Flag Football Game' featuring St. Louis area sports stars playing alongside soldiers.

Owners Tye Elliott and Scott Wilson then presented a plaque of appreciation to Samir, the Iraqi national who helped capture Saddam Hussein. Samir was employed as an interpreter with United States military when he pulled Saddam out of the hiding hole, in the now famous picture seen worldwide. "I thank the United States and what their military has done for Iraq," said Samir "it is wonderful to have the support of the military and the people of America."

Salaam Allysiry, who co-ordinated the Iraqi uprising against Saddam in 1990, echoed the thoughts of Samir. Salaam then spoke of the freedoms enjoyed in America that allowed him to open his restaurant in St. Louis, Arabian Nights; freedoms he hoped one day would be part of the Iraqi culture.

The Rage then introduced Mike Mayweather, who represented the U.S. Army. Mayweather was an All-American football player at West Point and is the all-time leading rusher in Army football history. He spoke of his relative small stature and how he was able to overcome that by means of heart.

"Everyone says football is a game of numbers," said Mayweather, "how tall is he, how much does he weigh, how fast, things like that. What they don't mention is heart. It's the yards after hit, the desire to get the extra yard, that makes a player special."

Mayweather saluted the brave men and women who have fought and served and shown the very type of spirit he related to on the football field. "Sometimes in our daily lives we forget the freedom we have," stated Mayweather, "and I want to thank all the members of the Armed Forces who protect our freedom."

The RiverCity Rage would like to extend a special invitation to all active and retired members of the Armed Forces to the Family Arena, March 26th, to Celebrate Democracy. Military personnel from Scott Air Base, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri Air National Guard and more will be on hand when the Rage open the 2005 season against the Fayetteville Guard. Game day tickets will be available to military members and their families at a cost of $5 each. For more information on the RiverCity Rage and Celebrate Democracy Day, visit ragefootball.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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