DATE: April
8, 2003
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: OPERATION YELLOW RIBBON
SUMMARY:
Overview:
Generations of military men and women have deployed from San Diego to
a future certain of nothing but service to Country. During times of conflict,
loved ones on the American homefront often symbolize the safe return of
U.S. servicemen and women by tying yellow ribbons around trees, mailboxes
and other structures. Some 55,000 Marines and sailors from Diego County
now are taking part in military action in Iraq. They are the heart of
the 105,000 Navy and Marine personnel who call San Diego home. They are
our co-workers, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters.
As we anticipate the swift return of American troops, we look forward to the days when thousands will sail around Point Loma, past the County Administration Center, into the safe harbor of San Diego Bay. Today's action would continue the thoughtful tradition of the yellow ribbon by installing a large yellow ribbon on the exterior of the County Administration Center tower.
Recommendations
CHAIRMAN GREG COX AND VICE CHAIRWOMAN DIANNE JACOB:
Approve the installation of a large yellow ribbon on the exterior of the
County Administration Center tower as a demonstration of the County of
San Diego's support for military families and our hopes for the safe and
swift return of the members of the United States Armed Forces from service
in Iraq.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposal.
BACKGROUND
Generations of military men and women have deployed from San Diego to
a future certain of nothing but service to Country. During times of conflict,
loved ones on the American homefront often symbolize the safe return of
U.S. servicemen and women by tying yellow ribbons around trees, mailboxes
and other structures.
Yellow ribbons have been displayed by the families of American Armed forces serving in the Persian Gulf in 1991, as well as across the nation in support of the Americans held hostage in Iran in 1981. A version of the yellow ribbon can be traced through films, music and song as far back as the 1920s and has become a symbol through which American families can express their determination to be reunited.
Some 55,000 Marines and sailors from Diego County now are taking part in military action in Iraq. They are the heart of the 105,000 Navy and Marine personnel who call San Diego home. They are also our co-workers, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters.
As we anticipate swift return of American troops, we look forward to the days when thousand will sail around Point Loma, past the County Administration Building, into the safe harbor of San Diego Bay. Today's action would continue the thoughtful tradition of the yellow ribbon by installing a large yellow ribbon on the exterior of the County Administration Center Tower.
Respectfully submitted,
GREG COX
Chairman
DIANNE JACOB
Vice Chairwoman
