SR mayor honored to lead the Pledge of Alligiance
“I pledge allegiance to the flag,” said an estimated 15,000 people during President Donald Trump's Butler rally Saturday night, following the lead of Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo.
“It was one of the greatest honors I've ever had in my life,” Longo said. “I'm grateful for it.”
Longo, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, said he felt there are many of his fellow soldiers who have been wounded or lost limbs who deserved the honor more, but he would cherish the chance he was given.
“It's not something you think when you're in elementary school saying the Pledge of Allegiance,” he said.
Before the pledge, Longo was able to give the crowd a bit of a pep talk, like many other figures preluding the president's arrival.
He said he didn't get the walk-up music the others did, but it felt amazing to break a new barrier by speaking to the largest audience of his life.
“Good afternoon, Trump country,” said Longo, who also serves as secretary for the Butler County Republican Committee.
The crowd went wild, but it was later — as he told his audience that he wanted Trump to hear them on the way in — that 15,000 voices moved him. Even describing the experience hours later, Longo spoke as if recalling a dream.
“I was just blown away,” Longo said. “That roar. That cheer. It was deafening. That made my stomach go up into my throat. That was a great feeling.”
According to Longo, Saturday marked an important moment for him personally, one which his mother, father and uncle were able to witness, but it was first and foremost another opportunity to shed light on the town and people he represents.
Any time you ask Longo what the borough of Slippery Rock is like, he'll tell you relatively the same thing. They're small town people who believe in patriotism and who love their God and country.
“I got to help portray that reputation to the people,” he said.
Longo said it brought the borough and the community out of the limelight cast by his beloved alma mater of Slippery Rock University.
He said he hopes continued exposure like Saturday will help show the complete package Slippery Rock has to offer.
“First and foremost, it was honoring our flag and nation, but in the forefront of my mind, this was another opportunity to gain exposure for Slippery Rock,” Longo said.
