Ribbons go up to honor deployed Guardsmen

City public works crews begin hanging the first yellow ribbon as Mayor McNeal and others look on.

Yellow ribbons, representing each local military member deployed to Iraq, line American Legion Boulevard today thanks to the efforts of the Idaho Army National Guard support group, Mothers of the Military, volunteers and city leaders.

Mayor Joe B. McNeal welcomed the community to ceremonies Monday, Nov. 8, as the first 'ribbon' was placed to show the community's commitment to the troops being sent overseas.

Kenda Schroeder, representing the Army National Guard support group, explained the idea for the project stemmed from a similar project during Desert Storm when yellow 'bow tie' ribbons were placed through the town. Each of approximately 60 ribbons will feature the name of a local military member serving during the deployment.

When she took the idea to the mayor, asking for permission to place the ribbons near the city's flag holders, he eagerly agreed.

Jim's Lumber donated the wood for construction of the ribbons and provided a discount for the purchase of paint, brushes and other supplies.

Working together with Mothers of Military, the group was soon involved in sanding, painting, and lettering each soldier's name. The support group's sale of magnetic ribbons helped fund the project.

Once the ribbons were completed, Schroeder enlisted the help of the city to place the ribbons at each flag site.

Among those attending the ribbon hanging ceremonies were Gen. Larry Lafrenz, deputy commander general, Idaho Army National Guard, and Col. Charles Shugg, commander 366th Wing, Mountain Home AFB, as well as city council members along with representatives from the Military Affairs Committee and the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce.