Yellow ribbons

Michigan does more than its fair share when it comes to sons and daughters (and brothers, sisters and parents) signing up for military duty.

Patriotism has a lot to do with this, of course. But the state's lengthy economic stagnation is probably the major factor. Joining up is young people's best chance of a career or even higher education in a state which was once the heart of so much of America's manufacturing industry, but where unemployment is now (and has long been) close to the highest in the country.

No matter your thoughts about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is hard not to think about the sacrifice so many families around here make, and the reminders are not too difficult to spot when you walk around.

View large to count the ribbons