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By Bob Weaver
It was a grand, spontaneous celebration last night in Wirt County, fire trucks with
sirens wailing and cars with horns honking traveled back and forth on the streets of
Elizabeth.
"She's alive! She's alive!," residents screamed. "Jessica is alive!"
Military authorities announced the rescue of nineteen-year-old Pfc Jessica Lynch
shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, and America took notice of their answered prayers. She
had been missing since March 23rd when she and several members of her unit were
captured.
Cars crowded up narrow Mayberry Run near the village of Palestine, with relatives
and neighbors congregating at the Greg Lynch residence, celebrating what her
father called a miracle.
One of her favorite teachers, Lynda Davis, went to the Lynch house to celebrate last
night. "She was a spunky girl who told me she wanted to take my place (as a
teacher) someday." She said the whole place is roaring in celebration.
Wirt High principal Ken Heiney said he was in a school board meeting when his wife
threw the door open and yelled "They found Jessica." He told Larry King on CNN it
was a memorable experience.
CNN reported Jessica was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, but was in stable
condition.
The covert operation got a read on her whereabouts about two days ago, and
rushed Saddam Hospital where sources said she was "being treated."
A Fox News reporter said her father, Greg Lynch, was in tears after the U. S. Army
broke the news to his family by phone. He said Jessica was safe and sound, in good
spirits.
A family friend told The Hur Herald "There was quite a celebration, fireworks and all,
going on up Mayberry Run."
Thousands of prayers have been lifted for her safe return, including a Prayer Vigil
held last Tuesday night in Elizabeth, with hundreds gathering in front of the Wirt
Courthouse. Since then the community has plastered yellow ribbons on trees and
buildings.
Candlelight vigil for Jessica
Robert Wetzel, a former POW from the first Gulf War, said I came back to America
and wanted everyone to know their prayers paid off.
Lynch is being moved to an air base in Germany after a de-briefing.
There was no word last night on other missing soldiers from the 507th Maintenance
Company from Ft. Bliss, Texas, at least two of which were killed.
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