Yellow ribbons around EMU campus
Eastern Michigan University’s student veterans have been honoring Michigan residents who died in Iraq and Afghanistan by placing 223 yellow ribbons on trees around campus. The ribbons list the soldier’s name, city of residence, operation they were involved in and date of death.
According to a university release, Ida Mollett, director of Veterans Student Services at EMU, said the ribbons are “‘silent reminders’ that send the message to appreciate the profound sacrifice the warriors have made.”
“You’re going to class, but someone else your age is not, because they paid the ultimate price,” Mollett said in the release.
The ribbons will stay up until Nov. 13.
Obama takes Florida
After days of uncertainty, the state of Florida was declared for Barack Obama Nov. 10, bringing the president’s total electoral count to 332 compared to Mitt Romney’s 206.
With almost 100 percent of the Florida votes counted, Obama led Romney by a meager 50 percent to 49.1 percent, with a difference of about 74,000 votes.
“Around 8.5 million Floridians voted in this general election – more votes cast than in any other election in state history,” Florida Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. “We are glad that so many voters made their voices heard in this election, but as we go forward we must see improvements in our election process.”
The Miami Herald reported Nov. 8 that Brett Doster, an advisor for Romney’s campaign, conceded the loss of the state.
“We thought based on our polling and a range of organization that we had done what we needed to win. Obviously we didn’t, and for that I and every other operative in Florida has a sick feeling that we left something on the table. I can assure you this won’t happen again,” Doster said in a statement.
Dingell thanks veterans
In recognition of Veterans Day, recently re-elected Congressman John Dingell, D-Dearborn, released the following statement.
“It is with utmost pride, respect and admiration that I salute our nation’s heroes on Veterans Day. As of last year, over 21.5 million men and women, with courage and love of country, have sacrificed their lives so that we may be able to continue to live freely in this glorious democracy. I urge Americans to join together in recognizing all who have served, and to welcome home troops who have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.
“However, just because a soldier returns home from combat, doesn’t mean the battle is over. As a fellow veteran, I firmly believe we must support our troops upon their transition from military to civilian life. This includes providing job opportunities, health care and wellness programs that alleviate both the mental and physical outcomes of war. It is America’s duty to provide those who risked everything on our behalf with adequate and equitable incentives, and the chance to contribute their talents and skills to a growing workforce. I will continue to be a champion of veterans’ rights in Congress, supporting legislation that will improve the quality of life for our soldiers and their families.”
Presidential proclamation: Education Week
President Barack Obama signed a presidential proclamation Nov. 9 making the week of Nov. 11 – 17 American Education Week.
“All children deserve access to a world-class education and the chance to pursue their dreams. Our schools are a gateway to those opportunities and the key to our nation’s economic prosperity and civil life. This week, we reaffirm our national mission of educating our students and training our workers better than any other country on earth,” the proclamation said.
The proclamation calls on American schools to “observe this week by supporting their local schools through appropriate activities, events and programs designed to help create opportunities for every school and student in America.”
