FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
November 26, 2003

NORTH COUNTRY COMMUNITIES COMMEMORATE
THE BEGINNING OF OPERATION YELLOW RIBBON

(Update: Three trees were filled on first weekend!)

Watertown, NY --- On Friday, November 28 community members and Fort Drum leaders will officially kick-off Operation Yellow Ribbon. At 11 a.m., Charlene Austin, wife of 10th Mountain Division Commander Brigadier General Lloyd Austin, will be placing the first yellow ribbon on a Christmas tree at the Salmon Run Mall to commemorate the event.

“We are so excited to officially begin this very important campaign,” said Beth Fipps, spokesperson for Operation Yellow Ribbon. “We are hoping to turn this Black Friday into Yellow Friday! We want everyone in the community to show their support for Operation Yellow Ribbon by attending this event.”

Beginning Friday, the Salmon Run Mall will display the yellow ribbon tree in the center court. Yellow ribbons will be sold for display on that tree, and others throughout the mall. As part of the joint fundraising effort, volunteers will also sell yellow ribbon lapel pins. The proceeds will benefit the Climb to Glory Fund, which is used to support family-centered activities offered at Fort Drum.

The goal of Operation Yellow Ribbon is to encourage communities throughout the tri-county area to show support for local troops and their family members by decorating holiday trees, buildings, homes, or other area landmarks with yellow ribbons, flags, signs, or another patriotic themes.

For more information on the Operation Yellow Ribbon kick-off, call 836-1531.

EDITORS NOTE: A Yellow Ribbon Rally is also being planned for Saturday, Jan 31st at the Salmon Run Mall. The event will include entertainment, speakers, and displays. More information will be provided as the date nears.

^{The picture below is a close-up of individual ribbons placed on the tree.}