Public heeds woman’s request for ribbon display

GUILFORD — Veronica Sweetser, the Abbot mother who asked Maine communities and individuals to show support by displaying yellow ribbons on Sept. 15 for the American military based in the Persian Gulf, said many supported her suggestion and displayed the ribbons.

Sweetser said the response to her suggestion was terrific. She even received a letter from a Vietnam veteran in Woodland who praised her for her efforts to recognize those serving in the Persian Gulf. He enclosed a yellow ribbon for her to display in the area. He remarked that he hadn’t seen that type of patriotism during the time he and others were in Vietnam. “We always go where the cause of peace is needed,” he wrote.

Sweetser said the ribbon the Vietnam veteran sent to her will be placed at the Abbot monument.

Upon the suggestion of Gov. John R. McKernan, Sweetser has asked Rep. Kay Merrill of Dover-Foxcroft to sponsor a bill to issue a proclamation in support of the troops in the Persian Gulf.