ANAHEIM : Rose Bushes Convey Support for Soldiers

Beverly Appel, a secretary for the Anaheim Union High School District, didn’t think her idea for showing students’ support for soldiers in Saudi Arabia was any big brainstorm.

But Friday afternoon students and staff at Lexington Junior High School joined in planting two yellow rose bushes in support of the soldiers and hostages, and two red rose bushes to show their commitment to say “no” to drugs.

“I just planted a little seed, I didn’t think it would grow into this,” said Appel, who proposed combining the two causes into one program.

About 50 students and almost as many local community leaders, district officials and teachers participated in the planting ceremonies.

The group also unfurled two homemade banners containing 1,000 “hellos” to be sent to soldiers in Saudi Arabia and 1,000 “nos” to show student support for the anti-drug effort.

The banners, decorated with red and yellow ribbons and paint, were signed by students and employees of the district.

“We feel that the world should be drug-free and that we should support the soldiers in Saudi Arabia,” said Kim Deane, 13, a student official of the school’s “Just Say No” program.

“We’re happy the soldiers are there for us,” said Lindsey Norum, 13. “They have real courage.”