By Stephen H. Cowles

The Carrollton Civic League has teamed up with the Isle of Wight Citizens’ Association and the Southern and Central Isle of Wight Citizens’ Group to present “Back the Blue,” an appreciation rally for area law enforcement.

This is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 in the commuter parking lot located by the intersection of Routes 10 and 258 in Smithfield. No rain date is scheduled.

According to information provided by Albert Burckard of the Carrollton group, this event is supposed to be similar to events Portsmouth and Virginia Beach recently conducted.

“We just want to provide an opportunity for local folks, and whomever else wants to come out, to demonstrate their support of our Sheriff’s Department and the Town Police of Smithfield and Windsor,” wrote Burckard. “We will just have a few short speeches and maybe some rounds of ‘Huzzah’ for our first responding officers who risk their lives for us every day to keep us safe.”

Herb DeGroft of the IW Citizens’ Association contingent said, “Bring signs and be ready to cheer and thank our sheriff’s department and police officers.”

Participants are reminded to wear their face masks and maintain social distancing.

Volpe Boykin of the southern and central citizens’ group added that owing to COVID-19 restrictions, participants should bring their own beverages or food if needed.

For more details, call Burckard at 757-613-6183; DeGroft at 757-357-6210; or Boykin at 757-287-3309.