Yellow Ribbons?

December 24, 2004 | self / vanity

[The Other Harry]

A number of people around where I live have pasted decals on their cars which resemble yellow ribbons and which say something like "Support our troops".

I want one, but I have not been able to figure out where to get one.

Anyone know?

[mathprof]

I was in a similar situation. I bought one on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20944&item=5945101917&rd=1

When I was waiting for it to arrive, my 5 year old spotted one in a convenience store, and my wife bought it. Now we have one on both of our cars! (She was reluctant to put on hers since she's a NYT-reading Kerry voter :(

[alisasny]

At the checkout at just about any car wash.

[BenLurkin]

Saw them being sold at a local gas station near the air fresheners. They are magnets.

[alisasny]

Many 7-11's have them too.

[alisasny]

Believe it or not someone stole the 2 on the back of my car : ((

[Bernard]

There are some that are sold with a portion of the proceeds going to a non-profit group. I forget the name. There should be a notation on the ribbon about it.

I believe those are made in America. The ones made in China are purely intended for profit.

[eastforker]

I have had a yellow ribbon on my gate and door for over two years. Go to the local hobby store and improvise. I doubt I will ever remove mine! Support our troops and take a stand against tyrany. It is time to take this country back from the left and the socialist scum that is trying to pervert it.

[PlanoMike]

I bought mine at the Exxon Mobil station in Buffalo Texas!

[GailA]

Our Wal-Mart in Millington, TN has them..$1.50..try the car department at you local Wal-Mart.

[llevrok]

Another nice support our troops item: The USO is selling green wrist bands (ala LIVESTRONG) at 7-11

[trussell]

I found them at...

1. Wal Mart- in the party favors isle and by the registers
2. Mustang Gas Station in Cortez, CO
3. Conoco Gas Station in Bayfield CO

[AntiBurr]

Since this is chat, I will assume that opinions are allowed. The "Yellow Ribbon" so far as I can determine, came from the lyrics of a country song of the '70's. The line runs, "I'm coming home, I've done my time."
For myself, to "do time" means being in jail, not in the military. I served my tour of duty as an enlistee, not drafted in the early 1960's. Now all are enlisted and so far none in this conflict are drafted, so they are there by their own choice, including the Guard and Reserve in which I also served.
To me, and it is only my personal feeling, the Yellow Ribbon is a negative. I prefer the Red/White/Blue one.
Thanks,
just an old codger who is proud of his service.

[arichtaxpayer]

Our local VFW was selling them. Check with yours.

[The Other Harry]

> To me, and it is only my personal feeling, the Yellow
> Ribbon is a negative. I prefer the Red/White/Blue one.

The dog and I went shopping yesterday. We got one that is sort of a combination of the two.

We also tied some yellow ribbons on the trees out front. I don't partictualy support the war in Iraq myself, but I do hope our troops return home safely. Each death and each injury tear at me.

[meadsjn]

Why a Yellow Ribbon?


by Dr. John Luton,
Associate Professor
Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University

Yesterday, during our university’s mid-year graduation, hundreds of parents, students and faculty gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 100 enthusiastic young, and not so young, 2004 graduates. Many of these men and women will now go out into the job market to find a means of supporting themselves. But there were several young men present at yesterday’s graduation who had other things on their minds. These were the ones (all men in our case) who received their commissions as Second Lieutenants in the U. S. Army. All three already have orders to report to Iraq.

Support Our Troops Ribbon

While to some it may seem like a small gesture, I strongly favor wearing the Support Our Troops Ribbon to show appreciation for the sacrifice that our men and women in uniform are undertaking on our behalf. These troops need to know they’re not forgotten on the battlefields of Iraq and -- no matter how some of us might feel about the war -- we want all of them to come home safely.

While War divides ~ Symbols Can Unite

Symbols always represent greater realities than themselves. Which is more important – a wedding band, or the marriage it represents? The band is just a symbol, but it’s a powerful one that’s loaded with special meaning and significance. Marriage partners wear those bands proudly to represent their shared commitment of love and devotion.

The yellow-colored Support Our Troops Ribbon is also a special symbol that’s filled with meaning and significance. Those ribbons are meaningful to all members of the armed services, as well as their families. The ribbons also serve as a reminder that, in our society, none of our differences are nearly as important as the bonds that hold us together as one nation -- and, let me hasten to add, “that’s one nation under God.”

United, But Not Deformed

In the New Testament (I Corinthians 12: 12-26), the apostle Paul reminded his hearers that they were different members of the same body – the Church. He also pointed out how ridiculous our human bodies would be if every part tried to serve the same function!

Just as we have so many different body parts, we also have so many different kinds of Americans. But one truth rings clearly: We’re all Americans. Though we have our differences – and there are some significant ones – we are united in our love for the many freedoms we cherish. Freedoms, which in many countries, the people can only dream about and long for, with little hope of fulfillment.

Won’t You Wear a Support Our Troops Ribbon?

Wearing a Support Our Troops Ribbon is not necessarily a statement about the war. Neither does it have to be a vote of confidence for the current administration. It’s all about our troops – the thousands of men and women who – right this very moment – may be putting their lives on the line, or even dying, while we sit in the safety of our homes. It’s just a way of expressing appreciation for what they’re enduring on our behalf.

I’m proud to be an American. While we have our many shortcomings, we are also a part of the greatest nation on the face of the earth. As our men and women in uniform strive to keep us free, let us honor their valor by donning the yellow Support Our Troops Ribbon on our lapels or collars.

May God bless our troops and our country!

About the Author:
Growing up in northeastern North Carolina, John Luton marveled as his father told stories about his childhood and World War II adventures. Bluebird in Belgium relates those wonderful stories.

Dr. Luton teaches world literature and mass communication at Elizabeth City State University. The Lutons have three grown children.

[meadsjn]

You can get the yellow ribbons and other stuff to show support for out troops at:

Yellow Ribbon America.com