As the ceremony honored those who have fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Af- ghanistan, many in an estimated crowd of 75,000 said they are pleased with the nation’s national security efforts and feel the U.S. is much safer than it was 10 years ago thanks in large part to the military.
Gloria-Ann Norwood of Dayton said she feels more secure after the death of al-Qaida leader who was killed by U.S. military forces in May.
Others agreed the country is safer, but questioned the leadership.
“We’re better off now than we were (10 years ago),” said Brian Miller of Dayton. But he said President Barack Obama “doesn’t project clear national security goals.”
Devin Litton, 18, of Enon said he feels very safe, but he knows there is a continuing need for military service. He just enlisted in the Air Force. “I leave for basic training in August,” he said.
John and Sherrie Ford of Kettering have attended the Tattoo before, but said it was especially important to show their support for the military this year because their son recently joined the Air Force.
“Plus it’s a nice way to start the weekend,” Sherrie Ford said.
Howard Fetty of Columbus said President Barack Obama’s announcement this week of the withdrawal of 33,000 troops from Afghanistan is “nothing to get exited about yet. There’s going to be a lot more people killed before they all get home.”
His daughter is in the Navy and is expected to go to Afghanistan in January.
“I hope she doesn’t have to go,” he said.
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