Clinton County Commissioner Randy Riley said in the last six weeks, local, county, state and federal officials have done everything they can think to do to stop the pact. “And that includes praying. We thought it was very appropriate that we gather at the courthouse steps and pray,” he said. “We don’t know what is going to happen. God will get us through this as a community and we will come through this just as strong and we will stay united. We’re not going to give up,”

Riley said a year from now, the air park may not say DHL or ABX. “But it’s always going to be ILN. That is our air park. With the help of God and with the help of a lot of good people working day in and day out, you’re going to see some wonderful things happen out there. We’re not done. This community is not done. It was voted one of the finest communities in the United States several years ago and it still is and it will be 10 years from now.”

Riley introduced Brooke Hill, a representative from the office of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. Before reading a personnel message from Brown, Hill said, “He is doing everything he can to save your jobs.”

The letter read, in part, “I want to renew my commitment to fight to save your jobs and your community. While the struggle may not be easy … history shows us that it was working men and women just like you who won so many battles that made America a stronger and more prosperous nation. It is in that spirit I ask you to stand strong and keep fighting.”

Introducing Wilmington Mayor David Raizk, Riley said, “I don’t think anyone has worked harder or more diligently for the workers of this community.”

Raizk said he is proud to be a Wilmingtonian and a resident of Clinton County. “This community is my life and I know it is your life. A community is a community of spirit, of helping one another. I am so proud to see everyone coming together in this effort. We will fight every day, for each other, because we are all involved.”

The Rev. Dean Feldmeyer sang several selections and provided guitar accompaniment.

Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher will hold a public forum from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the McCoy Room at the Kelly Center on the Wilmington College Campus. Raizk said Fisher wants to hear from individuals, but the primary focus will be on business owners and community organizations.