Green and white took a second on campus when yellow began taking over last week.
Students, faculty, staff members and their cars have been donning yellow ribbons since they were passed out by a group of three MSU students early last Friday.
Kristen DeJardine, Sarah Palmer and Amber Johnson wanted to show their support for America and their grief for the lost lives. The three women went out at 5 a.m. last Friday and placed yellow ribbons on the antennae of about 1,000 cars on campus.
Yellow ribbons are recognized worldwide as a symbol for victims of terrorism and for fallen American soldiers.
“Listening to the news, a war is about to commence, one in which many lives will be lost,” said DeJardine, a zoology senior. “Our goal is to place a ribbon on every car antennae on campus, then areawide and if possible, we would like to see a statewide and nationwide interest.”
Palmer, a zoo and aquarium science zoology senior, said the ribbons were tied to all cars in the parking lot at Farm Lane and Mount Hope Road, the graduate parking lot, and the parking lots at Holmes Hall, Owen Graduate Hall, VanHoosen Hall and McDonel Hall.
Palmer, who can’t give blood because she has anemia, said the ribbons have filled a desire for each of the women to display their patriotism.
Each of them chipped in a portion of their own money to purchase the ribbons.
“I love doing it, even though it’s our money,” DeJardine said. “It doesn’t matter. It makes me feel really great.
“It’s something I’d like to see everybody do.”
So far, the girls have received a supportive response. They have received several requests for ribbons as students continue to display them on clothing and backpacks.
Ken Careathers, assistant manager of Holmes Hall, said he is in full support of the Yellow Ribbon Campaign.
“Everything that the students have brought to us in light of the tragedy, we support 100 percent,” he said.
Careathers said the women have been in contact with MSU Grounds Maintenance officials, requesting permission to tie yellow ribbons on all the trees bordering Shaw Lane.
As for the future of their campaign, DeJardine, Johnson and Palmer are urging other students to take action.
“As long as this battle against terrorism goes on, we’ll keep carrying our yellow ribbons,” Johnson said.
