‘Support Our Troops’ Decals Will Stay After City Hall Has Change Of Heart
Posted June 20, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
City Hall has reversed a decision to remove yellow ribbon decals on fire trucks and E.M.S. vehicles that say “Support Our Troops” after a storm of public outrage.
“I just don’t understand politicians doing this,” said veteran Lorne Hood, commenting on the initial plan to remove the ribbons. “For people to basically insult what’s going on, the memories of those who have died and to demean the sacrifices being made.”
York South-Weston Counc. Frances Nunziata was one of the most vocal supporters of the decals.
“Here we’ve got the city of Toronto that’s not supporting our troops? It’s so disrespectful,” she said.
Nunziata made a motion to council to keep the symbols of support, which were to be phased out this fall, and was surprised to get opposition to the proposal.
Some members of council, including Mayor David Miller, expressed concern about the decals, saying for many the ribbons symbolize support for the war in Afghanistan, which is too controversial and contentious for the city to take on.
In the end, though, Miller backed down and council voted unanimously to keep the decals indefinitely.
“I reflected on the issue, and I think it’s very important. Toronto is very supportive of the troops,” Miller said.
