Heather Harsh of Colfax has recruited volunteers to help spread these signs of support and homecoming across towns in the area. Harsh commented that there had been yellow ribbons up in Colfax for almost a year, and they badly needed to be replaced. With the recent violence in Iraq, she wanted to bring the ribbons to other towns too. Operation Yellow Ribbons mission statement is: "To show our love, respect and support for the men and women of the military of the United States of America and her allies in the cause of freedom and the defeat of terrorism."

Harsh enlisted the help of Chuck Harrison of Harrison Auto Body to actually put up the ribbons. Although there weren't enough to line the entire length of Second and Dallas Streets, Harsh said she plans to drop off about 150 more to hopefully finish the job this weekend.

The ribbon is being donated by Bloomer Plastic, and Harsh has gone through about 70 pounds so far with more on the way.

Gestures like this are usually prompted by a personal connection to someone in the service; however, Harsh said she doesn't know anybody that is serving. She has just seen and read interviews with soldiers and was inspired to show them that people back home support them and their efforts to end terrorism.