3PPCLI

[B Walford]

The 3rd Pats and LdSH are on the move to Afghanistan.
Heard an idea on the radio the day it was announced. Some lady in Calgary suggested that since the Americans do the yellow ribbon trick, we here in Canada should do the same with red and white ribbons.
I know the Garrison dependents in Edmonton have put out yellow ribbons. I don‘t take away their sentiment or feelings, but I personally have raised a flag and wrapped the pole with red & white ribbons to show my support and faith in the troops on the way over and the hope that they all come home when this stuff is over.
I have a personal feeling for 3 Pats because I did 5 years with them in Victoria.
So I say to all the Pats (and Strats and navy) we are behind you and think of you all the time, Good luck gang and hurry home.

 

[Andrew]

Originally posted by B Walford:
I personally have raised a flag and wrapped the pole with red & white ribbons to show my support and faith in the troops on the way over and the hope that they all come home when this stuff is over.

I am just wondering what kinda of traditon is this? (i‘ve never heard of it, although maybe i should have) And when wraping the ribbons is there any special way to put them on(i have a big flag pole and flag and am just wondering), I would like to perhaps do that to show support.
r the ribbons wraped from top to bottom or r they just tied on the top

Andrew

 

[B Walford]

The question was asked about what the basis of the tradition was. Actually- it‘s a first as far as I know.
As I said, someone mentioned the idea on the radio and I decided to run with it. The Americans (and some Canadians) tie a yellow ribbon. This lady asked why not start a Canadian feeling to it and put out red and white ribbons (to represent the colours of Canada and the flag). I felt that it would be a good idea to show my support and faith in the troops by putting out the red/white ribbons.
There is no special way of doing it. I just tied a bow around a post on my house and have it there.
Thanks for your interest. Hope this ‘tradition‘ catches on and begins a pure Cdn sign of respect.
My other hope is that they all come home. I know what it is like trying to find the gravesites of our war dead for the 20th century and do not wish the job on anyone for the 21st.

 

[portcullisguy]

While I have nothing against other people tying ribbons of various description for whatever reasons, I thought it important to mention something about the meaning of coloured ribbons in general.

Yellow ribbons signify rememberance, and are therefore appropriate to show one‘s respect for all those involved in armed conflict abroad.

Red & white are Canada‘s national colours - but only since 1965. Before then, the national colours also included blue (from the union jack) and gold (from the coat of arms). As far as ribbons go, red could be interpreted to signify blood, and white could be purity, innocence, and sacrifice. This is why white roses are generally given at funerals.

While neither yellow nor red & white ribbons are inappropriate, clearly one statement is bolder than the other. And in a time of war, it‘s not really about how we choose to honour soldiers fighting for our freedoms, the focus should really be on the soldiers themselves who do the deed. Their actions shouldn‘t necessarily be drowned out by actions at home.

Just my half-cent (accounting for GST).