Kristen Manuel is sporting a ribbon on her backpack that she says represents compassion and freedom.
Manuel, a family and community services senior, picked up her red, white and blue ribbon at the Student Book Store, 417 E. Grand River Ave., on Thursday afternoon.
“We are just remembering those who lost their lives tragically, and those who risked their lives trying to rescue others,” she said. “I’ll put it on my backpack and leave it on there as long as it stays on.”
MSU students, faculty and administrators began wearing ribbons Wednesday after Health Educator Dennis Martell began making them with secretary Bonnie Costello at Olin Health Center.
“A lot of people have expressed to me that they haven’t found a way to express themselves and deal with this,” Martell said. “We are hoping that this catches on as a way for people to express themselves.”
Martell said the red, white and blue strands of the ribbon symbolize honor, principal and unity - in that order.
“The way that a civil society responds shows integrity,” he said. “So as a civil society, we put aside our differences and say this is how we respond.”
Martell and Costello made ribbons for about 250 MSU administrators, including MSU President M. Peter McPherson.
“I think these red, white and blue ribbons are a great idea,” McPherson said. “I am wearing mine.”
As the number of people wanting ribbons increased, the bookstore set up a table at 1:30 p.m. offering students a place to make their own ribbons.
“If that is what you want to do, it is a very nice thing to do,” assistant manager Mike Wiley said.
Wiley isn’t certain how long the table will be available for students but said it should be there for the next few days.
Next to the ribbons are two jars where visitors can make donations. One jar is for donations to the American Red Cross, and the other is to support the families of firefighters and police officers lost in rescue efforts.
“Some give money, some don’t,” said Monique Osborne, an interior design junior, who works at the bookstore. “But they are all wearing (the ribbons).”
Osborne said more than 100 students picked up ribbons in the first few hours.
“It shows the love and pride for this country, and the fact that we aren’t going to fall,” she said.
Advertising sophomore Jennifer Barone wore a ribbon as she shopped in the bookstore Thursday afternoon.
“We want to show it because knocking down a couple buildings isn’t going to hurt America,” she said. “We have moved closer together, not further apart.”
