Bracelets serve as a reminder to hold a soldier in prayer

Mary Tallman understands what a family goes through when a loved one serving in the military is deployed. Her son has served in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. When Mary, a Family Readiness Group leader for the United States Army Reserve 327th Engineer Company, Onalaska, Wis., wanted to create bracelets for family members to show unity and support, she turned to the sisters for help.

At Mary’s request, Sister Mildred Tigges gathered a group of sisters who made 150 bracelets from tightly braided parachute cord. “The bracelets aren’t about supporting or not supporting war,” explained Sister Mildred. “Rather they serve as a reminder to pray for soldiers’ safety.”

The bracelets were distributed to La Crosse-area families at an annual picnic for the engineer company held in July.