NEWSLINE: YELLOW RIBBON CAMPAIGN ON TAP

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Sandra Rodenas, of Jackson, wants to see people rally in support of U.S. troops in the war with Iraq.

To that end, she and McClure, Ill., resident Darla Matlock are organizing a yellow-ribbon campaign.

Rodenas said that she and others plan to tie yellow ribbons on trees near the American Flag in Cape County Park North today.

Members of the American Legion are expected to participate. Rodenas said the general public is encouraged to attend the event, which will be held from 2 to 6 p.m.

"We've got about 300 yards of ribbon," she noted.

But area residents who want to participate are encouraged to bring yellow ribbons if they have them, she said.

"We're asking people to dress in red, white and blue," Rodenas added.

"The media concentrates so much on the protesters and I think it really causes a lot of the families (of U.S. soldiers in the gulf) to think there is no support out there for them," Rodenas said.

Today's event, she explained, is designed to show these families that there is public support for the troops and the military action in the gulf.