Ribbons support soldiers

Friends and family of U.S. military personnel are showing their support for the troops in a visible fashion - adorning their vehicles with yellow and flag-patterned magnetic ribbons.

The magnets - part of a national campaign - are being sold locally to raise money for a group that helps military families and to rally support for men and women in uniform. The magnets, which are made of vinyl and come in two patterns - solid yellow or red, white and blue -are being sold by the local military family readiness group.

"The idea goes back to putting yellow ribbons around the trees wishing people a safe return," said Sylvia Murray, a member of the readiness group. Murray's husband, Clyde, was among the members of the Montana National Guard's 443rd Petroleum, Lubricants and Supply Co. that was called up for active duty earlier this year. The unit is training in Texas in preparation for deployment to Iraq.

Sylvia Murray encouraged everyone - regardless of their position about the war in Iraq - to show their support for the troops by displaying the magnets.

"It's not a political statement. It says 'We love USA and support our troops,'" she said. "The soldiers that are over there, people should realize they need the support and are over there through no choice of their own. Sometimes people blame the participants rather than the policy makers."

The proceeds from the sale of the magnets goes to support activities for the 443rd's military family readiness group, like picnics for the children of military ersonnel and educational workshops for adults.

"We're here to disseminate information and help keep morale up," Murray said, adding that the group recently had a picnic for military family members after soldiers with the 443rd were sent to Texas.

The readiness group also plans to host workshops to teach people lifeskills they may find useful while their relatives are deployed. The classes may include a basic auto repair class and a tax filing workshop, Murray said.

"Some ladies wouldn't know how to change a tire," she said.

The activities by the local readiness group are similar to those being done by other groups across the country, Murray added.

"This is a nationwide thing. Its a large, well-organized deal they started up after Vietnam because they realized how much the families needed the support."

The vehicle magnets can be personalized using a waterproof marker. Murray said she has written her husband's name on the one she displays on her vehicle.

The magnets cost $5. Only a limited supply are still available, but a new shipment will arrive next week. They will be sold at Creative Leisure and the main office at the Holiday Village Shopping Center. Members of the 443rd military family readiness group will also sell them during the American Legion Baseball tournament being held in Havre from July 29 to Aug. 4.

A portion of the proceeds from those magnets will go to support the American Legion, Murray said.

Anyone wishing to get their hands on one this week can call Murray at 265-5686, Kathy Fanning at 262-9038 or Betty Boyce at 265-6597.