Shame on Wilson for anti-ribbon column

The origin of the tradition of hanging yellow ribbons in support of troops is muddled. Some believe it started when wives of U.S. Cavalry soldiers wore the ribbons in hopes that their sweethearts would return from battle. Others point to its origins in the1917 song "Around Her Neck She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," from which John Ford found a name for one of the greatest westerns of all time. What is not in dispute is the fact that the piece of yellow cloth has served for years as a way for people to remember those in uniform who serve in places far removed. It is a way for the public to be reminded that there are those who are perhaps paying the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the freedom of those at home and abroad. And it is also a way to remember that these soldiers are leaving behind loved ones in order to preserve and protect the rights of a nation such that they can be truly free from fear. [Read article]

Thousands of young people were pressed up against each other. Those at the front ÷ who at one time had a prime position ÷ were now smashed up against the wall. Sweat poured down the faces of those trapped, for better or worse, at the front. At the fringes of the "mob," people shoved the mass, hoping to move further in for a better location. Women were screaming. It only took a split second for one to get sucked under into the abyss of shoes and legs. Pushing continued until the police finally managed to take control of the mob. When the crowd had left, 11 people were dead, eight hospitalized, and dozens walked away with minor injuries. [Read article]