The Armed Forces History Museumin in Largo, FL, is proud to support our troops with movements such as the Wear Red on Friday and the Yellow Ribbon. We also consider it an honor to actively preserve the history that is created everyday by these brave men and women.
YELLOW RIBBON
Can support of our troops really be as simple as a yellow ribbon? Absolutely!!! Look around in the parking lots and notice how many of the cars have the ribbon magnets in support of our troops. Some of these magnets are red, white and blue, but many of them are yellow. How did this yellow tradition begin you might ask? Read on for a little history behind the yellow ribbon to show support our troops.
HISTORY
Some historians actually date this tradition back to as early as the Civil War. At that time, a song was written that told the story of a prisoner of war soldier coming home. Now, we quickly advance to 1973 when Tony Orlando and Dawn released a song believed to be based on this civil war song and also a more modern day true story. The name of the song they released was “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”
While the inspiration for the song came from the previous Civil War version, the current story that influenced the writing of this song goes something like this:
Homeward bound on a bus heading towards Miami, FL was a young soldier who had recently been released from prison. Knowing that time can change the heart, this young soldier, whose undying love for his wife had not waned, requested she show her continued love for him and a desire to continue their relationship. He asked she simply tie a yellow ribbon around an oak tree that stood alone in the heart of White Oak, GA in their Town Square. As the request made its way to all who shared the bus that day, everyone requested the driver to please slow down as they approached the Square. And yes, there around the oak tree was a yellow ribbon. News of this heartfelt occasion quickly spread across the country when the driver of the bus stopped and made a phone call to the wire services.
PRESENT DAY
Many years later, in 1981, the popularity of the yellow ribbon would rise again. This time the ribbon and the song would represent the release of the 52 hostages who were being held in Iran. After 444 days of being captive, the prisoners were released, and the song once again, resurfaced. Since then, the yellow ribbon has become symbolic with the safe return of U.S. troops overseas and a way to openly show Support for our Troops. The support does not stop there. Many organizations raise money to provide the troops with gifts from their homeland. Another big movement is the Red Friday Support Our Troops. Even military garden flags are available for purchase and can be displayed in your yard as a sign of support. When showing support for the military, countless opportunities exist. The importance isn’t reflected by which one you pick, but simply by picking one.
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