Manitobans are scooping up "invisible ribbons" to show their support for Canadian soldiers recently killed or injured in Afghanistan.
"There was a steady flow of people today at the Military Family Resource Centre. The outpouring of support has been tremendous," said military spokeswoman Capt. Shawna Bruce.
The ribbon -- a clear plastic ribbon mounted on a Canadian flag -- is worn as a lapel pin. "It's to symbolize the invisible uniform worn by the partners and spouses, children and parents of Canadian Forces members," said Bruce.
"You're showing the military family you value their contribution to Canada," she said.
Several thousand of the ribbons have been picked up so far at the resource centre at 350 Doncaster St., where people can also sign a book of condolences.
Businesses are also asking for ribbons to distribute.
The resource centre, off Corydon Avenue west of Kenaston Boulevard, is open to the public from 1-3 p.m.
The United States consul to Manitoba, Eugene Tadie, also visited the resource centre yesterday and signed his name in the condolences book. A spokesman for the consul said Tadie will telephone the superior officers of the injured Manitoban soldiers next week. He is also sending letters of condolence to the families affected.
Meanwhile, a briefing is being held today for families with members in Afghanistan. The briefing is held once a month to update families on what's happening with the military operation in that region of the world, said military spokeswoman Catherine Chatterly.
bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca
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