As more and more college students are called away from studies to fight for their country in Saudi Arabia, those who are left behind are feeling the responsibility to back up their friends.

NIU’s Student Association, having sent one of its own—former Sen. Daryl Jones—is no different.

The SA is planning to bring three now-empty flagpoles back to life by flying flags representing NIU, Illinois and the United States to support the troops. But the SA is going a step further and dedicating the flags to troops from NIU.

Also, the group is spearheading a university-wide letter-writing campaign to encourage more support.

It’s good to see the SA doing work for the students during this time. Most have never been through a war, even in stateside safety.

The SA should be applauded for supporting the troops while at the same time working hard to keep any anti-war sentiment out of the project. The combination often connotes unwanted irony and criticism, something the SA has avoided while showing its support.

These efforts should help students deal with the realities of war and the reality that they’re not alone in being afraid. While some might not agree that patriotism during this time is right, a quick daily glance at the flag can help to remind us that we’re all in this together.

And perhaps this will help Daryl Jones to think of NIU with pride.