FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: April 9, 2003
Contact: Jennifer Stone (619) 531-4766 or Nicole Cretelle (619) 531-5439 or Adam Day (619) 994-4855

COUNTY OFFERS SNEAK PEEK AT GIANT YELLOW RIBBON

SAN DIEGO - The County Board of Supervisors, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and the military family support group Operation Homefront, founded by radio host Roger Hedgecock, released a rendition of the giant yellow ribbon that will be tied around the County Administration Center later this month to welcome home American servicemen and women from Iraq.

The ribbon is approximately 240 feet long and 8 feet tall. It will wrap around all four sides of the historic building's tower and is designed to be visible from Naval Air Station North Island, homeport to three U.S. aircraft carriers. It is made of mesh and can withstand winds up to 100-miles-per-hour.

"We want this enormous ribbon to warmly greet our brave servicemen and women they return to the safe waters of San Diego Bay," said Board Chaiman Greg Cox.

"Our large ribbon will especially thank the more than 55,000 Marines and Sailors from San Diego County taking part in the liberation of Iraq" said Vice Chairwoman Dianne Jacob.

"Sycuan is proud to help hoist this thoughtful tribute to America's fighting forces," said Tribal Council Secretary Sharon Beasley. "Sycuan is mindful of the many Native Americans who proudly serve the United States today, and in conflicts past."