Yellow ceremonial ribbons are popular with the general population but the use of yellow ribbons to support a cause began in Alabama. Today yellow ribbons are used as a symbol of support for various causes, including supporting military service members and prisoners of war or missing in action, and promoting awareness for various diseases and social issues. The origin of using yellow ribbons as symbols of support cannot be pin pointed directly to Alabama. However, CeremonialSupplies.com, the best one-stop show on the net for grand opening ribbons and giant ceremonial ribbon-cutting scissors, groundbreaking shovels, custom printed carpets and carpet runners, and many more items for corporate functions, has prepared an informative research piece that indicates yellow ribbons have been closely linked to Alabama history. Here is what we found out:
In Alabama history, yellow ribbons have been used in several ways. One notable example was the use of yellow ribbons by supporters of the Civil Rights movement that took center stage in Alabama during the 1960s. Individuals who were involved in various civil rights protests and demonstrations often wore yellow scarves and yellow ribbons, and the symbol became associated with the movement. In addition, there is a yellow ribbon program available for students at the University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, that assists veterans and GIs.
Another use of yellow ribbons in Alabama history is related to the state's football culture. The University of Alabama's football team, known as the Crimson Tide, has a longstanding tradition of fans wearing hounds tooth hats and carrying yellow ribbons during games. This tradition dates back to the 1960s and is associated with the team's former head coach, Paul "Bear" Bryant. Coach Bryant, who is considered one of the greatest football coaches of all times, always wore a hounds tooth hat, and after his untimely passing in 1983, fans honored the late coach by displaying yellow ribbons.
In 1979, militant loyal to Iran’s new radical Islam leader, and his extremists held 52 American diplomats and civilians hostage for a year and a half, after storming the US Embassy in Iran. The hostages were released right before President Ronald Reagan’s inauguration in office, for fear of retaliation by President Reagan. During this time, known as the Iran Hostage Crisis, singer Tony Orlando and Dawn launched the hit song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree”. The song is associated with this historical event in Alabama that involved the release of the American hostages.
To celebrate the return of the hostages, people across the country tied yellow ribbons around trees and displayed them as a symbol of welcome and support. The song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" had been inspired by the story of a soldier returning home from the Civil War, and was redone by Tony Orlando and Dawn. The new version was a global hit phenomenon and became a popular anthem of welcome and support for the returning hostages. The song is about a man returning home after a long absence and writes a letter to his love, asking her to tie a yellow ribbon around the old oak tree if he still holds a place in her heart. The hostages returning home received the a home coming with the widespread use of yellow ribbons as a symbol of support. Since then, yellow ribbons have stood for support of many different causes.
Alabama native son and country music singer and songwriter Hank Williams was known for wearing yellow at many points in his career. Hank Williams was born in Mount Olive, Alabama, was known for his signature yellow cowboy hat, which he often wore during his performances.
Whether the tradition of yellow ribbons began in Alabama, or anywhere else in the country or the world will not be known with precision, but what we do know is that CeremonialSupplies.com has yellow ribbons of widths that range from 1.5”, 2”, 4” 6” and extra wide ceremonial grand opening ribbons that are available in 8”, 10”, and 12”. Extra wide grand opening ribbons are best suited for ribbon-cutting ceremonies that involve a large entrance, or when photos and videos will be a big part of the grand opening ceremony. A wide yellow ceremonial ribbon, or a grand opening ribbon of any other color, of 8” or more will certainly pop out in pictures and videos, and will enhance branding of a company, a firm, or a brand. Wide grand opening ribbons are especially convenient when the event is attended by local, national, or international media, and publicity will be generated from the images.
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