Awareness of different causes was brought to our attention back in the seventies. Tie a Yellow Ribbon by Tony Orlando and Dawn inspired the wife of a hostage held in Iran to do just what the song said in hopes that her husband would soon be returned to her.

The current design is a bit different but the meaning behind it is still the same. We first saw this design on television as many of us watched the Tony Awards in the 1990's. Actor, Jeremy Irons, had one of the newly designed AID's Awareness Ribbons pinned to his lapel during the show. From that moment forward, the symbol we recognize today as an Awareness Ribbon has take on a life of its own.

All across the world, the Awareness Ribbon has become a symbol of a show of support. We support our troops, breast cancer, and a whole host of other causes. They come in every color imaginable with many being dual colors or multi-colored and patterned.

You can find the Awareness Ribbons in just about as many forms as there are colors. From key-chains, tattoos, and bracelets to being sported on clothing, fabrics, handbags, and hats. Even your car can show its support by displaying a magnetic ribbon for whatever cause it is you choose to support.

While the differing colors have meanings behind them, for many, the ribbons represent someone they know who has an illness or is across the sea fighting in a war. Others, it represents the ones they have lost to these causes. And yet others, just simply want to show their support in even this tiny way.

As a symbol, they unite all who sport them. Women will strike up conversations with strangers when they notice a ribbon. Men will nod in respect for the show of support on your vehicle. If you happen to have an unusual one that is not as well known, people will stop you to ask what its meaning is and why you have it.

By keeping the Awareness Ribbons out in the public eye, we are helping to remind everyone that our lives are precious. Wherever and however you choose to display your ribbon, do it proudly and loudly. It is your right as a citizen of the world to make others aware. Hopefully, your show of support will increase the awareness of your cause.

Blessed be to you all for showing your support. It means a lot to those who have suffered, lost, or are fighting the good fight.

This article is copyright to lynnechandler at Hubpages 2009.