Governor Sonny Perdue Encourages Georgians To Show Support For Our Troops and Nation In Yellow Ribbon Ceremony

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue and First Lady Mary Perdue led more than one hundred citizens, including the families of Army Specialist Jamaal R. Addison, Army Private First Class Diego Fernando Rincon and Army Chief Warrant Officer Ronald D. Young, Jr. and veterans and representatives from several military groups, in a special yellow ribbon ceremony today at the State Capitol.

Army Specialist Addison and Army Private First Class Rincon were both killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Army Chief Warrant Officer Young remains a Prisoner of War.

"Today, I call on all Georgians to wear or display the familiar yellow ribbon as a visible sign of support for our nation's troops, their families, our nation and its leaders and our world. As many brave and native Georgians continue our country's fight to bring freedom and peace to all corners of the earth, I encourage those of us here to keep them close to our hearts and minds and in our prayers," said Governor Perdue as he stood in front of the State Capitol.

"For those brave and unselfish soldiers who have given their lives, those brave and valiant warriors who are in the hands of unfriendly forces and those who continue the charge, I ask for united support for their families and friends. Assure them that their loved ones' efforts are appreciated and their sacrifices recognized," added Governor Perdue.

Governor Perdue also thanked event attendees and Powder Springs Flowers & Gifts (Powder Springs) for its donation of the large ribbons adorning the State Capitol's trees and gates of the Governor's mansion and the yellow ribbon lapel pins given to the event's attendees.

Family members of Diego F. Rincon, Jamaal R. Addison, and Ronald D. Young, Jr. with Governor and Mrs. Perdue at the Yellow Ribbon Ceremony.