Most people are aware that wearing a yellow ribbon necklace signifies support for U.S. troops serving in other areas of the world. However, they are not aware that yellow ribbon jewelry is also a symbol of support for many other causes.
The History of the Yellow Ribbon Jewelry
The symbol of the yellow ribbon has been a topic of debate for historians and folklorists for decades. Some say it dates back to the Civil War, others believe it has its roots in an old song Round Her Neck She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. Wherever the concept of the yellow ribbon originated, we do know where using it as a symbol to signify bringing home our troops began.
In 1973 the song Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree was released by Tony Orlando and Dawn. This song, although it was not written as a tribute to our soldiers, coincided with the timing of many Vietnam veterans and POWs returning home. Before long, yellow ribbons adorned trees, fence posts and flagpoles across the country. The yellow ribbon became the symbol of hope and the safe return of our troops.
In 1981, the yellow ribbon was used as a popular symbol of support for the hostages that were held in Iran. Ten years later to show support for the troops in the Persian Gulf, yellow ribbon pins became popular, and ribbon awareness jewelry has grown in popularity since that time.
The Significance of a Yellow Ribbon Necklace
Wearing a yellow ribbon necklace still signifies support for the troops serving our country in foreign lands and their safe return home. However, over the years it has taken on many more meanings including the following:
- Support of our troops
- The safe return of our troops from foreign lands
- MIA/POW
- A general symbol of hope
- A general symbol of support
- A general symbol for remembrance
- Equality
- Adoptive parents
- Armenian genocide awareness
- Missing children - amber alert
- Missing person - come home
- Suicide prevention
- Teen suicide
- Those left behind after a suicide - a yellow ribbon with a heart
- Leukemia
- Bladder cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Liver disease
- Endometriosis
- Hydrocephalus
- Spina bifida - pale yellow
- Sarcoma - Yellow ribbon with a sunflower on it
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Different Types of Yellow Ribbon Awareness Necklaces
Yellow ribbon awareness necklaces are both meaningful and beautiful. Varying in style and design, they range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. The following are examples of the many styles of necklaces that feature the yellow ribbon:
- A lovely yellow ribbon pendant outlined in goldtone with the words Support Our Troops is offered from The Corps Store. This beautiful necklace has part of the American flag in the center of the ribbon and includes a 17 inch chain.
- A simple yellow and silver ribbon pendant on a 17 ½ inch platinum wire necklace is an exquisite way to show your support.
Where to Find Yellow Ribbon Awareness Jewelry Online
There are many excellent websites that offer yellow ribbon awareness necklaces. Often the official website of a particular disease sells them to raise money towards research of the illness. It is certainly acceptable to purchase an awareness jewelry item from a website that focuses on a certain cause or illness as most jewelry items do not have the name of the cause on them.
Conclusion
Whether you wear a yellow ribbon necklace to show support for our American troops, as an overall symbol of hope or to show support for a loved one that is suffering, or has passed on from one of the many causes it represents, wear it proudly. It is a symbolic necklace that shows the world you care.
