SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford)
today honored California’s members of the U.S. armed forces by
marking Yellow Ribbon Day.
The State Assembly unanimously approved Parra’s ACR 233
which proclaims Saturday, May 22, 2004, as Yellow Ribbon Day.
During this morning’s floor session, Parra distributed yellow
ribbons to every member of the Assembly and recognized Deborah
Johns, a leader of Marine Moms and Families whose son,
William, is serving in Iraq. Johns’ other two sons, Benjamin
and Adam, joined her on the Assembly floor. Assembly staffer
Sandy Delise, whose nephew Bryan Alvarez is serving in
Afghanistan, was also recognized.
"The yellow ribbon is a simple American symbol that has
long held deep and heartfelt meaning," said Parra, who serves
as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs and
Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on National Defense,
Technology and Jobs. "Yellow Ribbon Day is a special day for
Californians to extend their sincerest appreciation for the
sacrifices military families and our troops are making, and to
commemorate our troops and their families with ceremonial
activities. However, I hope that each of us makes every day a
Yellow Ribbon Day as long as our troops are in harm’s way."
Deborah Johns with Major Varner - National Guard
Public Affairs
Getting the word out to Guard Families was Job One today at the
Capitol
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2004: 12:05 a.m. PST
1818 H Street #1, Sacramento 95814
Contact: (916) 448-1636 – Mobile: (916)
730-9401
Yellow Ribbon Day Proclamations to kick
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Resolutions jump start funding effort
Sacramento, California will serve as
headquarters for what may be destined as a state-wide Yellow
Ribbon Day in Support of Military Families and our Troops. The
City and County of Sacramento issued proclamations recognizing
May 22nd, 2004 as that day.
Today, school teachers and grade school
children will fashion yellow ribbons and ties that will be given
to military family members the following week. Veterans, their
wives and families with loved ones serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan will be working on projects throughout the day in
the midtown center for one of several sponsoring organization.
As area residents may run into school
children and adult volunteers at Raley’s, Ralph’s and Corte
Bothers markets in Sacramento, Citrus Height, Folsom, Fair Oaks,
Orangevale, Rancho Cordova and Carmichael on Saturday and
Sunday. They may be greeted by a smiling young face asking
shoppers to support the families and troops with the purchase
their hand crafted yellow ribbons. Suggested contributions will
range from $1.00 for a 6 foot ribbon, $5.00 for a large hand
tied bow on the spot to a 100 yard spool for $20 to wrap trees
on a whole block.
Deborah Johns whose son is a Marine on duty
in Fallujah, Iraq serve double duty as a spokesperson for the
joint community effort honoring her son and family. “This
ongoing community effort is a showing of love and respect.
We’ve seen the generous support of so many people and now we’re
proud of the young people’s involvement. We know our neighbors
will reach out to help them this weekend as they give something
even more important back… a showing in yellow ribbons that they
support our troops.”
Your
Ribbon purchase goes a long way…
to support our military families and troops in Afghanistan and
Iraq
Buy
& Tie these YELLOW RIBBONS on a tree in your front
yard! If you don’t have a tree, hang or tie these yellow ribbons
on your front door, a front porch light or on a mail box. Share
one with a neighbor or make it a block activity to wrap several
trees.
Also, please join Marine Moms and our volunteers Saturday, May
22,2004 for Yellow Ribbon Day in Support of Military
Families and their loved ones.
This is a very small thing for
Californians to do, in showing support for our loved ones,
family, friends and for the men and women that are fighting for
us in Afghanistan and Iraq! Bring the whole family to this
living civics lesson honoring our own.
There is a private meeting for all
military families at 10:30 a.m. and presentation of Special
Resolutions at 10:45 a.m. The luncheon is from 11:00 a.m. to
Noon followed by presentation of Comfort Quilts. All family
events are to be held at Crawdad’s Restaurant off of Garden
Highway and Hwy. 5, Sacramento.
A musical tribute to these families
will begin at 11:30 with a special presentation to the families
in the Chevy’s parking area after their luncheon. Enjoy
patriotic music, live professional vocalist and special
presentations throughout the afternoon. There will be a video
booth for recording messages to the troops, a booth to collect
doggy care packages for Jake, the puppy rescued in Fallujah by our
Marines, organizations and school kids
This is a special day to show your
support for our Troops and their families. Come out early, enjoy
the river front, boating options and have a nice lunch or drinks
at the two fine restaurants at the Riverbank Marina.
This fundraising activity will help
offset the costs of May 22nd’s Yellow Ribbon Day and
is sanctioned by Marine Moms, Patriotwatch.com, Sactownhall.org.
On the web go to:
www.patriotwatch.com of call (916) 448-1636. To volunteer,
call (916) 730-9401
Your
Ribbon purchase goes a long way…
with your suggestions or to volunteer.