Modest ‘Freedom Train’ Travels Through Wheeling
Joselyn King Trending
Only a few people joined the Freedom Train through Wheeling Thursday night, but the group nevertheless obeyed every traffic law, according to West Virginia Republican Party Chairwoman Elgine McArdle.
The Ohio County Republican Party organized the Freedom Train, which was organized to be a tribute to local first responders. After leaving downtown Wheeling, the train's destination was to be outside Wheeling Park's White Palace - where fire and law enforcement were to be waiting.
But in the end, no first responders or fire trucks were there.
Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott and City Manager Robert Herron decided late last week they would not permit uniformed city police or fire department members to participate in the commemoration, believing it to be a political event.
They said while they wanted first responders to be honored, they were concerned by the scheduled showing during the event of the Dinesh D'Souza documentary "2000 Mules," which alleges massive voter fraud occurred during the 2020 election.
Volunteer fire squads instead were invited to participate, as were all law enforcement and health care professionals.
Outside the White Palace, Michelle and James J. Bozenske of McMechen waited with flags in hand to celebrate freedom, and to express their concerns about the direction of America.
"We want to support our country. We don't like what is going on," Michelle Bozenske said. "We have to stand up for what we believe in."
James Bozenske agreed they were "here for our freedom."
"We need more patriots," he said. "Things aren't looking good."
Jeff Knierim of Wheeling also turned out to honor police and fire personnel, but was inside awaiting the start of the D'Souza documentary.
"I'm here supporting our first responders," he said. "They do a great job in our community, and I'm grateful for their involvement."
After a while, a larger number of people came in and paid to sit down and watch "2000 Mules." Champions Hall at the White Palace was pretty well packed.
"We are here to honor first responders," McArdle said. "We will continue to support fire, police, correction officers, the EMS, nurses and health care providers - and everyone who was involved on 9-11. They need to be remembered."