Tie a Yellow Ribbon around your Maple tree, rural mailbox, fence row or affix one to your outside light on your apartment
balcony, decorate your storefront or business. Please help spread the word and show a sign of appreciation and support
for our returning Canadian Forces from now through July.
That is when our combat forces will be returning from their tours in Afghanistan, where they have been on the ground
each and everyday since 2003, defending those that cannot defend or protect themselves, fighting tyranny and<
oppression. They have done this Nation proud answering the call as thousands have done before them, when called
upon. Some that have gone and served have made the supreme ultimate sacrifice as others have serving this country,
protecting our rights and freedoms as in the past, 153 of our sons and daughters to date. This time it was to stand
shoulder to shoulder with the other nations of NATO, fighting the “War on Terror”, attempting to bring stabilization and
opportunities to a people and a country that has been torn apart by civil war, oppression and controlled by vicious
warlords and terrorists.
Yes, there will be further rotations of Canadian Forces personal, but not in a combat role, the real humanitarian work and
training is about to begin.
From time to time as you have traveled you may have seen the odd Yellow Ribbon on a tree or rural mailbox in the
country or in suburban neighborhoods across the province. Occasionally whole communities have banned together to
display and show support for a local area serviceman or woman serving and returning. Showing support by displaying a
Yellow Ribbon is nothing new, but I can tell you it has an impact on those that have been away from there loved ones in
harms way and when they see them on their return. It is a sign of affection, admiration, support and respect for a job well
done. When the west was being settled south of the border and on occasion here as well a wife or sweetheart often would
wear a Yellow Ribbon in her hair or a yellow dress as a sign of support for a loved one, awaiting their safe return home to
those that love them. That is how we ended up with Yellow Ribbons as a sign of love and support. We have all heard
Tony Orlando & Dawn’s 1970’s version of the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘round an old Oak Tree.”
We at the Royal Canadian Legion fully support such programs as these because that is what we do each and everyday
and have for 90 years, support our veteran’s, their families, our communities and those in need. This is our latest attempt
to show support for our new returning veteran’s, their families and the communities in which they live across this part of
the province. It started off in Zone C4 of the Legion, which is 12 Branches from Tobermory, Wiarton down to Chesley
across to Port Elgin, and then back to Chatsworth, Owen Sound and Meaford. The Campaign was mentioned on the floor
of the Spring Convention for District “C” and was endorsed and embraced by the other 38 Legion Branches in attendance.
This now covers Branches from Guelph, Preston, and Kitchener up to Goderich, back across to Durham, down to Arthur,
Mt. Forest and every Legion Branch in between. It would be nice to see local and area businesses and their Chamber of
Commerce and BIA’s, get involved and support this effort. Most Legion Branches have access to the Yellow Ribbons and
Bows, they can be purchased from your local Branches; most of these Branches have them available and they are
making and supplying these ribbons for a small donation. Any and all of the funds raised are used by your local Legion
Branch to support various programs of care for their veterans, the youth and the communities they serve each and every
day. Drop into your local Legion Branch and ask do you have any Yellow Ribbons or Bows, so I can support our local
hometown heroes and our returning veterans, like you do?
Thanking you in Advance,
Respectfully Dean Weir
Zone C4 Public Relation Officer
Royal Canadian Legion
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