I'm comin' home, I've done my time

Now I've got to know what is and isn't mine

If you received my letter telling you I'd soon be free

Then you'll know just what to do.

If you still want me, whoa, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the old oak tree

If you found yourself humming a tune along with the preceding lyrics, it's most likely the result of hearing it drilled into your brain by radio stations a few decades back. If you're old enough to recall this, or are simply an audiophile, you'll come to the conclusion that they're from the 1973 hit Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree by Tony Orlando and Dawn. Though the lyrics are saturated with romantic themes and innuendoes, at its heart is a tale grounded in patriotism. Since Civil War times, the tying of yellow ribbons has been a sign of loyalty and respect towards family, friends or loved ones who are away from home and eagerly missed. All across the United States, cities, towns and homes are displaying their appreciation to our troops across the world by partaking in this traditional display of admiration by tying yellow ribbons around their trees, gates, poles, even car antennas. It is time for Manhasset to follow in stride.

As we are all too aware by now, thousands of our American troops are currently in the Middle East, with many more on their way. No longer can we falsely separate ourselves from these men and women. No longer can we wallow in the illusion that what we are being exposed to on TV each day are distant images in some horrific fantasy world. Our troops are not simply extensions of the governmental machine, but fellow citizens, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, relatives, lovers and friends. The older generation has been forced to reopen a weary, yet vivid compartment in their brain that they had hoped would stay shut and the younger one is on course for a hasty period of innocence and an all-too-sudden maturation.

Modern soldiers volunteer their lives. They get no breaks, no chats around the water cooler and no sick days. They follow orders; those with any doubts perhaps put their souls aside for a higher Being's judgment. Like any other worker, they need respect in order to spur their motivation. A powerful stimulus, respect may be the very factor that keeps our troops motivated and healthy. It is up to us, the public to ensure that respect gets transmitted aboard, but the process must start at home. It must be displayed in our hearts and minds of us and our loved ones.

As Americans, we are born with the inherent belief that nothing or no one should ever stifle what we have to say. Our opinions, views and outlooks combined with the natural bias we all innately possess combine to make us human. There are those who oppose our involvement in this war, and there are those who feel that it was a necessary step. The concrete, underlying principle which enables us to voice these opinions is deeply rooted in our nation's history. Our right to free speech came at the cost of much human life.

Though it seems a meager step, the appearance of yellow ribbons scattered throughout our town, schools, stores and public buildings will not only offer an aesthetic enhancement but also display Manhasset's citizens' support of our soldiers. It is, after all, those very soldiers overseas right now who are defending our right to hold supportive, apathetic, or even disrespectful attitudes. So please, take a moment, walk outside and hang your own yellow ribbon 'round your own old oak tree.

John Jeffrey III