Ribbons supporting military to be included in newspaper

[211RadOp]

By Frank Armstrong Whig-Standard Staff Writer

Kingston Whig Standard

It's hoped that Kingston's sold-iers and war veterans will witness an unparalleled display of support next weekend when the Whig-Standard distributes 22,000 magnetic yellow ribbons to home subscribers.

Sponsored by a number of local businesses, the Whig plans to insert the 18-centimetre ribbons in the paper next Saturday, the day before Remembrance Day, as part of a larger campaign that also involves the City of Kingston.

"More and more, the troops need this," said Gerry Coady, one of the campaign's organizers and a former commander of CFB Kingston.

Among the sponsors are the two Kingston Canadian Tire stores, S&R Department Store, Taylor Auto Mall and Urban Peddlar Promotions.

Some of the businesses will eventually display large support ribbons on their buildings. It's hoped that other businesses will follow suit.

The Whig will also put a ribbon at its offices at 6 Cataraqui St.

City Hall already plans to get into the act. On Friday, a 40.5-metre ribbon will be strung around the clock tower of City Hall so that it will be visible to the men and women in uniform at CFB Kingston.

The ribbon will stay up until January. That's when a large contingent of soldiers from CFB Kingston will have left for Afghanistan, Coady said.

Soon after Remembrance Day, the largest single troop deployment to Afghanistan will take place when about 100 soldiers are sent there. Coady said the ribbon campaign kicked off when Whig publisher Ron Laurin showed Coady and Mayor Harvey Rosen a picture of a yellow ribbon wrapped around the City Hall of another municipality.

"The mayor thought that was a hell of a good idea," Coady said.

The campaign will be formally announced at the Fort Frontenac officer's mess on Friday.

 

[Baloo]

Not trying to denounce the efforts of the municipal government of Kingston, but why would the banner be taken down once the troops leave? I can't help but feel that some political aide told city council that if 'the ribbon is kept up while the troops are overseas, it will be a political statement, and we can't have that on a political building.' Who knows, maybe I'm just reading too far into it. Just seems weird that, you know, they would show the support until the deployment from Kingston, rather than after...seems a little...back-asswards?

Aside from that little tidbit, a fine effort by the Kingston Whig Standard.

 

[211RadOp]

Actually, the City of Kingston is a big supporter of the Troops. Every road leading into the city have signs welcoming the soldiers and thier families to the city. As for why the ribbon is only up until Jan, I have no idea.

 

[bilton090]

  Don't let the peace group's hear this one, the sh#t heads will be screaming about it. Like here in Fredericton , I will not say the name, they are not wrought the paper it's on.
  The people are a big support here too !, but it only takes a few dim wits, to put a bad taste in your mouth. I would like to put those people in the same spot I was in this Feb to Aug 07, they would be all F-ed up rite now, If not dead.

 

[kratz]

I think it's a great idea that Kingston is doing this for the troops.

When I started to read this thread, I had a similar thought that bilton090 mentioned. I was imagining the uproar if the Victoria Times Colonist attempted to do the same thing in BC.

 

[JBoyd]

I think it's a great idea that Kingston is doing this for the troops.

+1 to that, It would be nice to see other newspapers doing the same around the country

 

[forcerecon85]

This is a great idea, wish more cities and papers got involved like this. Hell, if the Toronto Star did this, i think it would actually be worth buying.