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The tradition of yellow ribbons as a symbol of support for the U.S. troops in Iraq first gained popularity in 1980 during the American hostage crisis in Iran. The idea is attributed to the 1973 song, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree", which was based on the true story of a prisoner coming home. The ex-convict told his wife that he could understand if she didn't want him anymore, but if she did want him back to tie a yellow handkerchief to the oak tree in the middle of town. And she did.
Source: Economist, 3/2/91, vol.318, p.29
Verified by: CM, 9/98
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