Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima, Brig. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the Deputy Adjutant General of New Mexico, and other leaders offered words of gratitude and encouragement to the Soldiers and their families. The Yellow Ribbon Ceremony commemorates military deployments. The yellow ribbon was first used in 1981 by the Family Liaison Action Group to recognize the hostages of the Iran Hostage Crisis. The ribbon now serves as an expression of hope for troops to return home safely. “I think this Yellow Ribbon Ceremony is really great,” said Miyagishima. “It gives us a chance to tell you [Soldiers and families] how much we appreciate you, how much we care for you.” Sen. Martin Heinrich wrote in a letter that the American people and he are tremendously grateful for the Soldiers’ service to their country. Heinrich added that he recognizes the sacrifices made by the Soldiers, their families and their employers. “I’ll ask you to spend time with your family, to hug each other because it’ll be a little while,” said Aguilar. “You’re going to lose a loved one for the next nine or ten months, but you’re a part of this bigger National Guard family. You’re not alone. Don’t feel that you are and don’t hesitate to reach out to the rest of us to help you through this period of time because it’ll get tough some days.” Rep. Xochitl Torres Small wrote that it takes courage and dedication to protect the nation. When Soldiers serve, she added, it is the responsibility of everyone to honor them for their service. “Looking at all our families, friends, and supporters here, I’m just amazed, and I’m very proud because I know the strength and commitment you display every single day,” Morales said. “When this country calls, you are the ones to answer. No matter the circumstance, you are there to answer. That is what sacrifice is all about.” Following the speeches, participants tied a yellow ribbon around a tree. The yellow ribbon will remain there until the Soldiers return home. Maj. Sergio Hands, the officer in charge of the contingent, told families and employers, “Because of your love and support we can look forward and take on the mission we’ve been assigned. Every Soldier who has ever deployed knows that the only way home is to continue moving forward.”
