Yellow ribbons removed from town green amid speech dispute

By DAVE COLLINS
Associated Press

LITCHFIELD, Conn. (AP) — A symbol of support for U.S. troops is now the centerpiece of a contentious free-speech debate in the small Connecticut town of Litchfield. Yellow ribbons had adorned trees on the Litchfield Town Green since the 2003 start of the war in Iraq. But the five remaining ribbons were taken down Thursday by a local official enforcing an ordinance banning placards and other postings on the green. Officials say allowing the ribbons opens the door to any displays of free speech, no matter how offensive. Local resident Val Caron has been maintaining the ribbons for more than a decade and says he’s considering legal action to get the ribbons put back up.