Yellow Ribbon Campaign Gains Ground
In the days since President Toomas Hendrik Ilves called on the nation to wear yellow ribbons in support of the seven Estonians kidnapped in Lebanon, top politicians and Facebook users are noticeably heeding the call.
Prime Minister Andrus Ansip publicly joined the effort on May 19, appearing at the government's weekly press conference with a decorated lapel, rus.err.ee reported.
The previous day Defense Minister Mart Laar was spotted wearing a yellow ribbon in Parliament.
"A yellow ribbon says quietly but visibly: we know you are in difficulties, we hope for your speedy return, you and your families are in our thoughts. We await you at home," the president said in a May 13 statement announcing the launch of his campaign.
The effort has also been taken into the realm of social media, with a specialized Facebook application allowing users to attach a ribbon graphic to their profile photos. By May 19, over 11,200 users had done so.
Steve Roman
