What do yellow ribbons mean?

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Are these just for families that have service members, or can anyone put one up?

 

[Libbysmom2000]

Anyone can put one up as a symbol of support for the troops in Iraq.

 

[Laz]

The origin of the use of the Yellow Ribbon comes from a song sung by Tony Orlando and Dawn entitled "Tie a Yellow Ribbon"

It was actually about a man who was returning home from prison and he was looking for a yellow ribbon aroung an oak tree as a sign that he was welcomed home.

"Now that whole damn bus was cheering,
and I can't believe I see,
A hundred Yellow ribbons round that old oak tree!

 

[bsnyder]

During the Iranian hostage crisis, yellow ribbons were used to symbolize our concern for the hostages. From CBS News:


"As negotiations continued into December, Penelope Laingen, wife of hostage Bruce Laingen, charge d'affaires of the embassy, tied a yellow ribbon around a tree at her home in Maryland, and a nationwide movement began. Millions of Americans also tied the yellow symbols of freedom around trees in their yards. (They stayed up until the hostages came home – more than a year later.)"

 

[SuiteDisney]

Actually, the song was about a man coming home from prison...

I'm coming home. I've done my time.
Now I've got to know what is and is it mine.
If you received my letter telling you I'd soon be free,
Then you'll know just what to do if you still want me,

If you still want me,
Oh, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree.
It's been three long years.
Do you still want me?
(Still want me?)
If I don't see a ribbon 'round the ole oak tree,
I'll stay on the bus,
Forget about us,
Put the blame on me,
If I don't see a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree.

Bus driver, please look for me,
'Cause I couldn't bear to see what I might see.
I'm really still in prison, and my love, she holds the key.
A simple yellow ribbon's what I need to set me free.

I wrote and told her please,
Oh, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree.
It's been three long years.
Do you still want me?
(Still want me?)
If I don't see a ribbon 'round the ole oak tree,
I'll stay on the bus,
Forget about us,
Put the blame on me,
If I don't see a yellow ribbon 'round the ole oak tree.

Now the whole damn bus is cheering,
And I can't believe I see,
A hundred yellow ribbons 'round the ole oak tree.

 

[jenjie]

Hah! My dh laughed at me when I said I used to think that song was about someone getting out of prison. Interesting to know I was right the first time.

I need to get some yellow ribbons to show my support for the troops.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Thanks for the answers. I never knew what the song was about! I just liked the refrain! LOL!!! Looks like I too will be getting some yellow ribbons.

 

[Auntie Bon]

There is also a movement called Chris Lights which was started by the Town of Needham Massachusetts.

Check it out Chris Lights - support our troops