[Nik Naym]

"...It's symbol for "Safe Return of Our Military"."

NO it is NOT.

It is a symbol of return of prisoners. The whole thing started as a result of a song about a man returning home from PRISON and he told his girl to put a ribbon around a tree if she wanted him back.

We should not be equating our SOLDIERS with common criminals.

Also, the yellow ribbons were used for the Iran hostages back in the late 70s. Not exactly a proud moment for us. As a result, they are not only symbolic of prisoners, but of weakness and defeat.

People who put them up are well meaning, but ignorant of the history and symbolism.

Nik

[wwcj]

They are not ignorant of the meaning in their heart. That is above any history lesson.

[wwcj]

If we could add up the amount of yellow ribbons hung for soldiers and compare those numbers to the amount of ribbons hung for criminals, my guess is that the yellow ribbon has taken on a more meaningful symbol.

[webber]

I don't where most of you posters have been these past 13 months, but the yellow ribbon was used by the Utah Family as a way to show that they had faith that their daughter would return to them safely!!

Where you guys/gals got the other much, much, much, much, much, older versions stuck in your minds I don't know, but I think you're giving your age away. I

The 21st Century meaning is that we have faith that Our Troops are going to return safely.

So sorry for thinking 21st Century to 19th century folks.