The 255 veteran lives from Michigan that were lost during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom are being remembered on the Eastern Michigan University campus where military students are tying yellow ribbons to the trees. The ribbons represent individual soldiers, and bear their name, their hometown, the operation in which they served and the date of their death. The ribbons will remain on the trees until Tuesday when they will be taken down.
Remembering the Fallen
According to one of the members of the Veterans Services offices of Michigan University, Ida Mollett, the ribbons are “silent reminders” of those that were lost in this time of war, and it allows students and staff members the chance to read the names and think about those that are no longer with us. Mollett describes it in this way, “You’re going to class, but someone else your age is not because they paid the ultimate price.” In a way, the institution is acknowledging just how much the soldiers gave up when they made the decision to go to war, and just how much their sacrifice is appreciated by institutions all over the country.
Largest Student Veteran Population in the State
Michigan University has one of the biggest student veteran populations in the state, and this is something that the establishment is very proud of. Remembering those that are no longer with us is a great way to honor them and what they did for their country. Until Tuesday, students are welcome to pay a visit to the Michigan University campus to have a look at the ribbon-strewn trees and spend a moment thinking about the men and women that gave their lives for their country. This is not only touching to those that are a part of the establishment itself, but also to those who knew the people who were lost along the way.
About Bianca Da Silva