Tie a yellow ribbon
Yesterday (20 June 2007), Toronto City Council voted unanimously to keep the "Support the Troops" decals on city emergency vehicles, but not without first sparking heated internet debates across the nation.
The decals had been placed on firetrucks and ambulances; firefighters had purchased their own decals with their own money, whereas paramedics had apparently used city money, amounting to $3000.00. Mayor Miller felt that the decals made a political statement, and that by supporting the troops, you were in effect supporting war.
While reading the on-line posts commenting on the original article on globeandmail.com, I realised that there are an awful lot of people who don't know what exactly the yellow ribbon means.*
The yellow ribbon symbolises the desire for the safe return home of our soldiers, from whatever engagement or mission they've been sent on by our government. It is no more an "empty expression of American patriotism" than a red ribbon would be an empty expression of sympathy for Americans with AIDS. A yellow ribbon has no nationality. It cannot be replaced with a poppy, which many commenters touted as a better, more Canadian alternative. The poppy already holds a very important meaning: remembering those who have died in service of their country.
Whether or not you support the mission in Afghanistan, or any other endeavour Canada's military has embarked upon, is your freedom of choice. It is freedom that has been assured to you by the sacrifices of the men and women who serve this country, and those of their families who love them. Respecting people who have the courage to respond when they are called upon by their country is not a political statement.
*Proceeds from the sales of yellow (or "CadPat") ribbons and other Support the Troops merchandise bought at CanEx and other licenced retailers support services and organizations that assist military personnel and their families across Canada. For more information on purchasing such merchandise, please visit the CanEx Web site.