Yellow ribbon around tree for soldiers

Untie the yellow ribbons. That's what the local town board of Litchfield is telling several people who have tied ribbons around five trees on the Litchfield Green.

The reason they need to come down, the board says, is because the ribbons that show support for American soldiers overseas will set a precedent for other causes to put up ribbons. They also say the current ribbons cause a dangerous tree killing fungus.
Leslie Caron has taken the lead in the fight to keep the ribbons in the center of town. She says that they have been there since 2003 and no other group has put ribbons up on the green. Caron also says that the she has taken care of the ribbons to ensure they are clean and presentable.
"They did make a resolution that besides holiday decorations, there could never be anything on this green because of our five yellow ribbons, " Caron said.
Caron also disputes that the ribbons cause fungus. Litchfield arborist Tom Martinsen agreed.
"You don't have to be an expert. You don't need to be botanist to know that the the ribbon is having no adverse effect on that tree, " Martinsen said.
NBC Connecticut left messages with several board members. So far, none of those calls have been returned.
Caron and several of her friend's who support the ribbons have sons and daughters who are either serving overseas or are veterans.
"I feel very strongly about these ribbons also, " Cindy McPhee said. "They represent something important."