"Dear Councilperson __________: As you may well know, our fellow American and our fellow resident of Thousand Oaks, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Byron Sells as been stationed in Kuwait in the war effort against Iraq. I understand Petty Officer 1st Class Sells is the first city employee stationed in Kuwait. We trust in Almighty Providence that he and his fellow Ventura County heroes will return safely to our community once this conflict is concluded.
In the meantime, Councilperson _________, I would like to request that yellow ribbons, as a symbol of our community's love, respect and appreciation toward Byron (and all the others), continue to be displayed by the City of Thousand Oaks and also be allowed for display by it's residents.
If there is any reason this cannot be done, would you please explain that directly in reply to this letter to me, and further explain to Byron once he returns from overseas why this could not be approved by the Thousand Oaks City Council? Please do everything in your power to assure that no city employee removes these symbols as well. Thank you." (appropriate 'cc to local media)