Ask Mr. Answer Person - "Why are there yellow ribbons on the lampposts in Decorah?"

Mr. Answer Person says: The ribbons are part of a campaign by the American Legion and Auxiliary.  They're intended to be a visual message of support for the members of Decorah Reserve Unit 322 Engineer Company, which will deploy to Afghanistan in January of 2011.

Organizers stress that the yellow ribbon campaign is not a political statement, that it is neither pro-war nor anti-war, but intended as a simple way to show support for the soldiers.

In addition to being put up on lampposts, the yellow ribbons are being distributed to Decorah area residents to put on their homes, cars, trees and other buildings.  The yellow ribbons are available at the All Vets Club at 104 State Street in Decorah.