Manhattan Beach Residents Hold Mini-Rally on the Fourth
Jul 04, 2020 04:04PM ● By Jeanne FratelloA crowd of about 50 gathered outside Manhattan Beach City Hall on the Fourth of July, waving American flags and "Thank You MBPD & MBFD" signs.
The loosely organized group, which came together by word of mouth, included brief remarks by residents Joe Franklin and Lee Phillips.
Christine Norvell, a former principal of Pacific Elementary, led the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of "God Bless America." She was followed by Susan Lim leading the national anthem.
The group also accepted donations to buy more "Thank You MBPD & MBFD" signs.
"We are so lucky to live in this country where we have the ability to speak our mind," said Norvell after the rally.
Norvell then shared a quote she carried along with her from Martin Luther King, Jr.: "The time is always right to do what is right."
"I think that's what we should live by today," she said.
The gathering lasted about 20 minutes, and the crowd then waved signs and flags as passing motorists honked their horns.