'World's Largest' Holiday Card For U.S. Troops Unveiled In Riverside
RIVERSIDE (CBS) — The "World's Largest Holiday Card for U.S. Troops" has been unveiled in Riverside.
Roughly 300 residents attached snapshots of themselves and family members to the 20-by-30-foot greeting, which reads, "To Our Brave and Beloved Troops -- Our Respect and Gratitude Are Enormous. Happy Holidays!"
"This card represents our strong feelings of affection and support for the military," Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge said. "As far as we know, it's the world's largest card intended for our troops."
Loveridge, Councilman Steve Adams and several dozen city employees presented the card to command staff at March Air Reserve Base.
"It's important to recognize the men and women who protect us," Adams said. "We want the soldiers going overseas and coming back ... to see this and know the love we have for them."
Air Force Col. Bob Weisenberger, commander of the 452nd Medical Group at March ARB, said base officials plan to place the colossal card inside the deployment center, where arriving and departing troops will see it.
"This is a tremendous thing," he said. "Air Force, Marines, Navy and Army personnel will get a first-hand view of this and get a boost knowing that the local community is behind them."
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