Morinville is remembering one of its own this week with yellow ribbons that now adorn nearly every tree in the community.
A yellow ribbon campaign spread throughout the community following the death of Master Cpl. Byron Greff in Afghanistan in late October.
Greff was a member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and was working with Afghan forces as part of a training mission when the convoy he was travelling in was attacked by a suicide bomber.
Kerry Knight, who along with her friend Nicole Nester helped launch the yellow-ribbon effort, said Greff has been identified in most news reports as from his hometown in Lacombe or being from the Edmonton area.
She said she wanted people to know that Greff and his family called Morinville home.
“I felt that people probably weren’t even aware,” said Knight. “People need to know that we have these people right here among us that this is happening to.”
The town is now saturated with yellow ribbons, which wrap trees and light posts. St. Jean Baptiste Park is also well covered with ribbons on trees, benches, lampposts and around the town’s gazebo.
Rolls of the yellow ribbon have been sold at Home Hardware in the community along with Sobey’s, Tim Hortons and the town offices for $2.50 a roll.
Knight estimates they have sold nearly a thousand rolls, which will allow $2,500 to go to Greff’s family for whatever they might need. She said that is in addition to donation boxes in the community
Maurice Chevalier, the owner of Home Hardware, said when Knight first approached him about selling the ribbon it seemed like a simple way to help.
“We are a military community and I support the military as much as I can,” he said. “I have no idea what they go through, but it is the least we can do as a community and business community to support the family.”
Chevalier said the support and the demand for ribbons has completely overwhelmed him. He said before the ribbon had even arrived about 10 people came in looking to make a purchase.
“I hadn’t even told my staff about it so they were coming in and asking me what was going on.”
Greff was laid to rest on Monday in Lacombe and a public memorial was held there with his family. Greff left behind a wife and two young children. Knight said when they return home this week she is glad they will see the community is behind them.
