Another Color for the Lapel

Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., and Michael McCaul, R-Texas, have asked lawmakers attending the State of the Union to wear black and white ribbons in honor of the Arizona shooting.

Lawmakers plan to place an empty chair in the audience in honor of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who is now in a rehab facility in Texas after being shot in the head on Jan. 8. Thirteen others -- non-lawmakers -- were injured and six killed, including a federal judge.

The letter to colleagues reads in part:

"In tribute to the victims of the Arizona tragedy, we encourage Members, and everyone attending the State of the Union address Tuesday night to wear a black/white lapel ribbon.

"The tragic shooting on January 8th wounded our friend and colleague, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and caused the deaths of six and wounding of twelve others. The black/white ribbon has been a symbol of unity and hope for the entire Tucson community in the wake of this event. The white ribbon represents hope for a peaceful, nonviolent society. The black ribbon is in remembrance of all who have died and been wounded as a result of violence.

"As the Tucson community works to heal and comes together in solidarity, Reps. McCaul and Wasserman Schultz believe it would be fitting that Members, Administration officials and others, wear these ribbons on Tuesday as a symbol of solidarity with the community and the nation."

http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/20...er-color-lapel