How the Yellow Ribbon Became a National Folk Symbol (Gulf War)

Local GOV/Folklife Ribbons ^ | unknown | Gerald E Parson

[maranatha]

You're right on. We tied yellow ribbons during the Gulf War and I'm wearing again a button left over from that time that says "We support our Troops". Love your picture, Kathy.

[bluesagewoman]

Here is one from 9-11. May we NEVER forget!

[Conservababe]

And besides, we are Freepers, and we can come up with an origional idea for our support of our troops. And when we have the idea, we can recruit our graphic specialists. We can do better than a trite yellow ribbon.

[maranatha]

We're praying for safe return...that's what the yellow ribbon means for most folks and most people would be quick to know if there are many trees on a street so adorned that it was for our troops. So, I will do it and will encourage others to do it. What would you suggest as more patriotic like from WWII which would be quickly understood as supporting the troops or the war?

[bluesagewoman]

Hey, once it is decided, let me know! I am just going by the old sentimental feeling of years gone by. If there is something better, (and easier), I'll go for it. Meanwhile, we could use a "gimmick" really quick, as the peaceniks like to take what is red, white and blue. Whatever is decided, we need to unite. That is the great thing about this forum!

[bluesagewoman]

There is just something about a yellow ribbon...call me old-fashioned, but it does feel right. But, whatever you all come up with, I'll hang the blasted thing out of my oak tree. OK?

[maranatha]

I was just curious as to what she was referring to in WWII. I am tying the yellow ribbon. She called it trite. I have never looked at a yellow ribbon on a tree and thought it "stale and uninteresting from overuse". And, if someone can come up with something new and more dynamic I'll do that too. I'm with you in that it has to be widely adopted whatever it is.

[Conservababe]

See post #11.

[edwin hubble]

The blue star in WWII in the window of a home indicated a family member killed in action.

[Alkhin]

I'm trying to spread the word with my blog:

The Brazos de Dios Cantina

[garandgal]

No, the blue star indicated a family member in service. In the case of death of said service member, the star color was changed to "gold". Most of the stars were sewn on, so one would have to sew a gold star over the blue star. I have one banner, however, in which the stars were "cut-outs"...it came with both a blue and a gold card to tape behind the cutouts to indicate the status of the "son-in-service".

The "Gold Star Mothers" group in WWII was comprised of women who had lost a family member in action.

[Jael]

I thought it was that Tony Orlando song. :-)

[virgil]

I remember Tony Orlando's song. It came out at the time when our involvement in the Vietnam war was winding down and troops were starting to come home.

[Richard Kimball]

While the tradition may go back to the Civil War, I don't think there is any question that the yellow ribbons were popularized by the Tony Orlando song.

The ribbons were first used to welcome the hostages back from Iran on (remember?) the first day of Ronald Reagan's Presidency. The Tony Orlando song (released in 1974) became a hit again. While it's true that the story originally came from an old Civil War story, the Tony Orlando song was what put it into American consciousness, or it would not have been used in 1980.

[Richard Kimball]

Oh, what the heck,

"Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree"

(As recorded by Tony Orlando & Dawn)
IRWIN LEVINE
L. RUSSELL BROWN

I'm comin' home I've done my time
Now I've got to know what is and isn't mine
If you received my letter tellin' you I'd soon be free
Then you'll know just what to do if you still want me
If you still want me.

Woah tie a yellow ribbon round the ole oak tree
It's been three long years, do ya 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

Woah tie a yellow ribbon round the ole oak tree
It's been three long years do ya 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

I'm comin home, mmm hmm

Tie a ribbon round the ole oak tree
Tie a ribbon round the ole oak tree
Tie a ribbon round the ole oak tree

Tie a ribbon round the ole oak tree
Tie a ribbon round the ole oak tree
Tie a ribbon round the ole oak tree

And now that you've got that STUPID song stuck in my head, I only have the following to say,

Well I've been through the desert on a horse with no name

She ran calling Wildfire, Wildfire

Well, I thought happiness was Lubbock, Texas in my rear view mirror

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone, and I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, whatever

Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?

Sugar, aw honey, honey. You are my candy girl, and you got me wantin you

And just to pay back anyone who ever mentions this song on Free Republic again:

Me and you and a dog named Boo, travelin and livin off the land

Oh, and Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me.

[garandgal]

My husband and I purchased a "support banner" at a retail outlet not long ago, because it was similar to the WWII banners that we collect.

It is similar to the WWII banners in that it has the red border and white backgroud...but it has a blue "U.S.A." instead of the "star" that indicates a family member in service. We have it hanging in our window.

I shared this thread with him, and he promptly remembered that there was a website address where you can order them!! It is "americanheroes.cc". Click on "order service flag" to see the USA banner. Also, there are special flags for firefighters,etc...

[Jael]

I found a list of really bad 70's song's but I'll be nice and spare you. I'll just post the list of the top ten in 1973. :-)

The Top 10 Singles of 1973
1.
"Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree" - Dawn featuring Tony Orlando
2.
"Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" - Jim Croce ["Lover's Cross was a much better song.]
3.
"Crocodile Rock" - Elton John
4.
"My Love" - Paul McCartney & Wings
5.
"Let's Get It On" - Marvin Gaye
6.
"Touch Me In The Morning" - Diana Ross
7.
"Delta Dawn" - Helen Reddy
8.
"Playground In My Mind" - Clint Holmes [This is one song I can honestly say I have no memory of.]
9.
"Killing Me Softly With His Song" - Roberta Flack
10.
"Me And Mrs. Jones" - Billy Paul

[Jael]

Ok, if you insist, here is the link.

http://www.furious.com/perfect/badsongs.html

[WKB]

What, no mention of Tony Orlando?

Or Dawn?

[hoosier_RW_conspirator]

FWIW...I have no idea why, but during the Gulf War when the rest of the country apparently was "tying yellow ribbons", our locale opted for orange instead.