They Say It in Many Ways

They are both large and small in scope and expression, but the yellow ribbons, flags and postcards share a common sentiment: support for U.S. troops in the Persian Gulf.

Across the South Bay, residents and businesses have taken to a variety of means in showing support for the soldiers, sailors and air personnel fighting overseas.

Papyrus at The Shops at Palos Verdes offers postcards at no charge that are preaddressed to “Any Service Member.”

Papyrus owner Donald Richardson said the response to the postcards has been “terrific.”

Linda McGonegal, owner of Linda’s Beauty Boutique in Lomita, adorned the front of her salon with a yellow ribbon and pins small ones on her customers. Two of her male patrons are now stationed in the Gulf, as well as an employee’s son-in-law, she said.

“We need to back them up morally and spiritually,” McGonegal said. She added that the war hits close to home for her: Family members fought in World Wars I and II and the Korean War. In addition, her husband served in Vietnam.

High upon the Los Angeles Airport Hilton and Towers, a yellow vinyl ribbon with a 35-foot-high painted bow extends 60 feet across the front of the building.

John Elford, Hilton and Towers general manager, said the ribbon is visible to passengers in planes taxiing on runways at nearby Los Angeles International Airport.

At Green Hills Memorial Park and Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel, an Avenue of Flags at the entrance greets visitors.

“It allows people to know that we want (the troops) to come back alive,” said Steve Espolt, administrative assistant at Green Hills. “We have a lot of land here that we don’t want to see filled up with servicemen.”