PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County residents are thinking of American soldiers and Iraqi civilians today as the deadline for Iraqi president Saddam Hussein to flee his country nears.
Hussein has until 5 p.m. tonight to go into exile or face war with the United States and its coalition partners.
The looming war was the subject of conversation around the county Tuesday.
“I think it is very tense for all the families,” said Mary LaSalle of Port Ludlow, whose son is serving on a U.S. Navy vessel in the Mediterranean Sea.
LaSalle said once bombs start falling and bullets begin flying, her first thoughts will be with the men and women on the front lines.
But she said she’ll also be thinking about Iraqi civilians who don’t support Hussein but can’t get out.
LaSalle said she wants the troops to know many Americans support them.
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The rest of the story appears in the Wednesday Peninsula Daily News Jefferson County edition. Click on SUBSCRIBE, above, to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.