On Sept. 21, former President Donald J. Trump was the guest of honor in attendance for the Republican rally at the Wilmington International Airport (ILM). Supporters from all over Wilmington and surrounding cities came to show their solidarity for the candidate just days after the celebration of Constitution Day. The gates opened at 10:30 a.m., and a line promptly began to take form in front of the Aero Center. Security partnered with local law enforcement and Secret Service to ensure a safe and peaceful rally.

The attendance of the former Republican president was met with a variety of people all decked out in red, white and blue clothing while donning t-shirts and/or hats that exhibited the rally’s theme “Vote for Trump.” With a heat index of 95 degrees and a shortage of water, people of Wilmington still braved the high temperature to witness the candidate’s speech for the new election.

When asked what he believed the representation of the Republican Party symbolized, attendee Mike Schiavone’s reply alluded to patriotism. “We have the responsibility to take action when something is wrong. If we don’t stand up and fight for our core foundation then those who came before us, those who have built this country on their backs, who have served and died fighting for our freedom…it would have been for nothing. If you have the ability, then you have the responsibility; it’s written in our Constitution.”

The support for Trump continued and by 2 p.m., the Trump plane landed at the airport and was greeted with cheers and chanting of Trump’s name. The instrumental theme song from “Top Gun Anthem” by Harold Faltermeyer played over the speakers, and at 2:35 p.m., Trump was standing at the podium, cheering along with voters and giving in the crowd a thumbs up.

Standing behind bulletproof glass, Trump provided his thoughts and ideas for what would be taking effect this coming November. The key points were lowering costs for energy, gas and grocery items. He stated the cost of energy would go down 50% within the first 12 months of his presidency. His goals also involve generating affordable housing, especially for the new generation of voters who have a mortgage to keep in mind. Everyone stood up and shouted in praise when Trump announced that there would be no taxes on tips or social security.

Next, Trump introduced his granddaughter, Carolina. Explaining the origin of her given name, Trump offered up the story stating that her mother Laura, wife to Eric Trump, is a Wilmington native. Trump took Carolina to the podium where she spoke the words of his campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.” Luke Trump followed his big sister’s footsteps. Being led by his mother to the podium where he joined his grandfather, Luke was carried to the microphone and without hesitation spoke out, “Vote for grandpa!”

A water shortage during the rally became an issue, leading some people to experience fainting and discomfort.  However, the crowd maintained their presence and ended the event by shouting Trump’s famous campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.”

The certainty of this election is still anyone’s guess. With the poll numbers in a close neck to neck race; Harris leads with a 48.1% while Trump is 46.3%. Voters still continuously stand in line at the register booths for up to two hours at some locations, trying to get their registration in and their votes on a ballot.