Support Our Troops Overseas

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Canadian Military serving overseas. You can "Say it all without saying a word" and show your support to Canadian Military families, by displaying a yellow ribbon.
Since the American Civil War the yellow ribbon has been recognized as the symbol to welcome home troops. The ribbons festooned trees, porches and fences as a bright welcome for the troops. Since the 1960’s a yellow ribbon has been prominent in many military homecomings. Family members wear ribbons on their lapels, and ribbons are seen on homes and vehicles in just about every community in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The ribbons symbolize the support of those at home for the Canadian Forces personnel serving on one of the 16 world-wide operations and the hope for a safe and speedy return from overseas deployment. At the present time the largest contingent of Canadian Forces is based in the Kandahar region of Afghanistan.

Car magnets and the lapel pins are available from the St. John’s and Gander Military Family Resource Centres at a nominal cost of $5.00 each. Proceeds help fund programs and services provided by the MFRC for military families, such as children's programming, deployment support services and more. You can also leave a few inspirational or thankful words below.

To contact the MFRC you can write to:
St. John's Military Family Resource Centre
509A Placentia Place
St. John's, NL A1A 1S4
Call 709-570-4636
Visit them online stjohnsmfrc.nf.net

Gander Military Family Resource Centre
Bldg. 128, 9 Wing
Gander, NL A1V 1X1
Call 709-256-1703 ext. 1206 or Toll free at 1-800-557-1702
Visit them online gandermfrc.ca

You can leave your messages and thoughts for our troops overseas by emailing your message here!

We will post your messages as they arrive. Thanks for supporting the OZ FM Yellow Ribbon Campaign any way you can.
 
 
 
Your Messages (Updated April 15)
 
 
I would like to thank all the men and women that are overseas....please know that my thoughts and prays are with you all...may GOD be with each and everyone one of you.....
Leslie Nunn, Grimshaw, Alberta
HELLO, guys and gals ,hope everyone's doing ok,really believe in what your doing,may you aaalll come home safely, GOD BE WITH ALL OF YOU !
Blair Wheeler
God bless each and every one of you, may He keep you safe until your return. We have no idea of the sacrifice you are making, to say nothing of the danger, and less than ideal living conditions. Please know, that, as Canadians, we are extremely proud and grateful for your contribution and sacrifice. Until your safe rerurn, thanks again,
Norma Kennedy, Mooseland, Nova Scotia.
Hi to all our troops! There is great pride in my heart for everything you do day in and day out, there are few and far between that could do what you all do every day. Please know that me and my family are proud supporters of you in every way, shape, and form...in a time when hero's are hard to find...you light the path. I pray that each and every one of you is held in God's gentle hands till you arrive safe and sound at home to your loved ones again...with much love and appreciation.
Norma Hale Bradbury and family, Bay Roberts, NL
Hello to all the troops! My brother, Keith Ivany is stationed in Shilo, Manitoba but is currently on his first tour in Kandahar. I just wanted to tell you all that what you are doing is truly admirable, brave and heroic.
To leave the warm comforts of your family and friends in order to make our lives back here in Canada just so is such a sacrifice and one that will never be forgotten. Words could never give justice to the thanks we all feel within for what you are doing over there. Please, keep your heads up, eyes open and minds clear so that you all can get back to us safely. You're doing such a terrific job! Keep up the good work! And, to my brother, Keith, know that we are all thinking about you everyday and we cannot wait until the day you are back on Canadian soil. We love you so very much and are all so very proud of you! Hugs and Kisses!
Kerri-Leigh Ivany-Pittman, Mount Pearl, NL
Just wanted to say HI and take care and stay safe out there to all our Troops in Afghanistan and around the world. Please find a heart felt tribute to you all and your families for all you endure and sacrifice. I wrote it myself and it gives me great pleasure to dedicate it to all Military Personnel and their families. Again take care, stay safe and God Bless. Quick and safe return home.
Respectfully,
Daphne Schultz, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Hello from Charlottetown, Bonavista Bay, NL. You guys are doing a great job. Praying that God will protect you and give you wisdom and a quick victory.
God Bless,
Mary Chaulk
Greetings to Our Troops in Afghanistan…Thank-you so much for the freedom we have today. Without your diligent work and endeavors, Canada wouldn’t be what it is today. We as a Nation love you people so much. We thank you for your bravery and congratulate you on a job well done. In my mind each and everyone of you deserve a salary equal to or greater than our Prime Minister and cabinet ministers for it is you we have to thank for many things that Canadians have to boast about. Canada is by far the most beautiful and best loved country in the world and this is only because of Our Troops. Our Troops keep us safe and for that we honor you. We Love you all very much and we pray for your safe return home. Know that you are all missed big time by your families & friends here. Patiently we stand and await your safe arrival home. God Bless each and everyone of our troops. Wishing you a Happy Easter and quick return home…
Kim DeLong, Goulds
To all our brave soldiers you are in our thoughts and hearts everyday. God bless each and everyone. My sister Elaine Careen is just back from serving seven months . I pray for all to return home safe. Be strong and stand together we are behind you. Stay Safe.
Christine Careen

Hello to all our troops serving in Afghanastan , first i say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE . You are all a brave and courageous group of men and women and we are all proud of you. I am also Very Proud of my son Michael who has already served in Afghanastan on two tours already and going back again this year. For my Daughter -in- law Dawn who is Michael's wife for her service in Afghanastan, one of the brave women of the service. Also for my Son-in-law Owen who has served in Afghanastan , thank you so much , all family members are so proud of our three soldiers who serve their country in such an outstanding way.
Isabella Walsh & Family, Bell Island

To our brave troops in Afghanastan, we would like to say we are very proud of each and every one of you. Our son Darrell has done a stint there already, thankfully he came home safe and sound. Our Canadian forces men and women are doing their country proud in standing tall in this terrible time of war. Thank you to our wonderful troops. To their families left at home, who help by giving their love and support, thank you as well. We pray that God keeps
you safe and brings you all home safely to your families.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you always !!!
Kevin and Brenda Chaytor, C.B.S.
The thoughts and prayers of many are with you all at this time. May God watch over you all and bring you safely home.
Leona Ezekiel, Bell Island

To all our brave soldiers you are in our thoughts and hearts everyday. God bless each and everyone. Special prayer for my brother in law Kevin Hillier who is over there right now the next seven months can't go fast enough. I pray for all to return home safe. Be strong and stand together we are behind you.
Kim Snow, Shea Heights
Just want to send my heartfelt thanks to the many men and women in the Canadian military. God Bless you for what you do. Without you doing what you do, I couldn't do what I do everyday. And I don't even think about my safety most of the time. You are all in my prayers and so are your families. We do have one son in the police force in his city and I pray daily for his safety so we never have to get "the Call". Again God Bless you all and keep you safe in all you do everyday!!
With much thanks and a very grateful heart, sincerely,
Lorraine Grover, Red Deer, AB

Hello to all of you brave men and women. My thoughts and prayers are with you at all times.. My son left this morning for Afghanistan, My pride for him is enormous, and the entire Canadian Army. Please be assured that we do support all of you. May God bless you, and stay safe.
Proud mother,
Jane Scrimgeour
Hi there to all of our brave soliders who are fighting overseas. I cannot begin to express the gratitude that my family and I feel for all that you are doing for our country and for the freedom of others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families everyday for your safe return to your loved ones. Keep up the great work you are doing and be safe. Remember that everyone here in Newfoundland are wishing you love and best wishes.
Tina Oram
Hare Bay, NL
I just wanted to say that I believe some people are not aware exactly what our troops are over there for. People just go about their ways from day to day and only take notice when they see the news and hear about another lost of LIFE due to a senseless act. I am originally from St. John's but currently living in Brampton Ontario. We need to keep in our minds that if it was not for our Troops in years gone by that we may not be here now. God bless anyone who is currently in the Military and their Families and friends.
A lost of a loved one effects us all.
Gerald Lundrigan
I lost a very good friend of mine Cpl. Fransisco Gomez. I went through basic training with him,he was my room-mate in Victoria. While stationed in Germany he attended many holidays with my family. I am no longer in the military & my heart goes out to all the soldiers we have serving our great Country. The thing that bothers me now is the way the politicians are fighting to bring you home & the job isn't done. Sorry, I would hate to trade places with you ,but those SOB's have to be stopped & I would hate to see my buddy Gomez or any of the other 78 deaths be for nothing. We have to play a little tough love with NATO & get some help in there & kick some serious butt. My prayers are with you for a quick & painless resolution.
Always, PPCLI
Ret. Cpl. D.A. Boehm CD,SSM
God bless our men and women overseas. I wish they didnt have to be there, as a mother off a Canadian soldier, who as to go to Afghanistan in august 2008, it's going to be a trying time for all us but especially my son. He has been there before.
Sharon Hynes (Leamon) St. Andrews NL
I think All should come home with family and friends and be safe i think it is amazing what the mena nd woman are doing overseas i prey for everyone to make it home safe and sounds with there love ones God Bless
Sara Kendall
We want you to know that we are extremely proud of our Canadian Peace Keeping Troops, unfortunately, you are in harms way and not everyone you are working to protect sees you as the peace keeping troops you are. We hope that you are all safe and sound and that you can return to your loved ones very soon.
Rob & Erica Brophy
To all the troops and there families, know that we are always thinking and praying for you all .Come home safe and take good care of each other.
I lost my son Cpl. Stephen Bouzane on June20-07 in Afghansitan. God bless and keep each and every one of you.
Moureen Bouzane, St.Albans
Greetings to all the brave Canadian men and women in uniform.
All my family and friends are truly grateful for what you are doing and pray for your safe return.
We understand that taking the fight to the enemy lessons the chance of having to fight here.
By you having to leave your friends and family to protect mine and ours is true courage and patriotism.
My blood boils when I hear of people going against what you good Canadians are doing.
Most of us know that what you are doing is the reason they can speak out without fear of arrest or imprisonment.
No matter what you see on TV or hear about people not supporting our troops you must believe it is a very small majority. I see many vehicles, including mine, with the yellow ribbons attached to them.
Rest assured, by far most Canadians support you 100% and wish the government would send those who don't like it back to where they came from.
The summer so far in Southern Ontario has been quite nice, not to hot but warm enough to have the bikini being the normal beach wear, thank god!!
Have sat around the campfire a few times with friends, had a few beers and spoke of you with great admiration and appreciation, wishing you could be sitting right beside us. Believe me you are always on our minds.
Be safe and god speed to you all coming home safe and soon.
Larry Harris in Ontario
I just wanted to leave a message thanking all of the men and women who are serving overseas. I know all too well the sacrifices that you and your families are making in order to serve and protect not only the citizens of your own country, but those of the countries in which you are deployed. My father was in the military and served overseas, so I know all too well what you and your families are going through. You are all so brave and are showing outstanding strength and courage even during the hardest of times. You are showing what it truly means to be a Canadian. All of us at home are thinking and praying for you daily. We show our support with the yellow ribbons and by wearing red on Fridays. I wish you all a safe deployment, and for those of you who are there and are on your way home, have a safe journey and welcome home to Canadian soil!
Jennifer in Calgary
Hello to the brave Canadian men and women in uniform. All I did was Germany (party time) and Cyprus (boring) I was one of the lucky ones. Unfortunately, you are not. I've never been shot at as many of you have. I shutter to think what that must be like. I don't support war but I support the troops fighting it. God bless each and every of you. I wish I were with you. (easy to say at 67. I don't think I can re-up). Get your butts back home as soon as possible. I think of your situation every day.
Gary Riley Oshawa
Just to let you all know that I think of you all often and hope that each and everyone of you get back to this wonderful country of ours safe and sound,
Other than family what do you miss the most?
take care of each other.
Peg in PEI
Those of you overseas who grew up in mount pearl you're in my thoughts and prayer get home safe guys, I no longer live in nfld but in western canada and i wear yellow ribbons on my truck
Michael MacDonald
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag and whose coffin is
draped by the flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.
Travis Young
I just want to wish all of our troops in Afghanistan good luck, and thanks for protecting us and fighting for our freedom!!!
Kayla, Botwood NL
On behalf of the 1st Bishop's Falls Girl Guides, we want to thank our troops overseas for protecting us.
Thank you and know that we appreciate your actions and we pray with your families to bring you all home safely.
1st Bishop's Falls Girl Guides
At this moment no matter where you are or what your thinking.
"Remember we are all thinking of you all".
My appreciation for you all grows deep.
Especally over this holiday Season.
Being the daughter of a retired Armed Forces Corporal.
I am so proud to say you make me all Proud.
Della Lynn
Stephenville,Newfoundland
Hey there Troops. We want to say Hello, and you are all doing a great job out there. We support you 100%!! We pray for you every night for a safe journey home to your Friends and Family!!
Hope to see you soon Leo and Marty!!!
Karen and Jodi
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our troops overseas and around the world.
We are very proud of you all. Thank you for all the bravery and good work you are doing.
I have family members in the military; although none on tour right now but I know it will their turn someday soon.
I know they will make us proud as you guys and gals are doing right now.
I proudly sport my yellow ribbon on my van and our red T-shirt Fridays are also very important to me.
Sincere Greetings
Juanita Jacobs, NL
Hi everyone. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all the hard work that you are doing. My thoughts and prayers are with you everyday, wishing that you all return home safe in the very near future. Thank you for fighting for our country. You are making us all very proud. My step-father is in the army and I realize how hard it is to do what you are doing so thank you !!
yours truly
Erin Russell
You guy's are doing a great job. Hopefully it will soon be over. Stay strong and take care.
Marlene Bradbury

Hi to my nephew Randy Duggan now serving in Afghanistan.
Stationed in Ontario, Hometown Cape Broyle, NL. Our prayers are with you Randy and all your comrades. I can only imagine how it must be for all of you. It takes a special kind of person to do your job. Please keep yourselves focused and safe. We are very proud of you. Tomorrow is Remembrance Day ---11th Month, 11th Day, of the 11th Hour. Silence and Prayers will be for those that have fought in past wars, those that we have lost, and for you, still today fighting for the protection and freedom for those who cannot. God Bless You.
Janet Doyle, Witless Bay, NL
My name is Corporal Stephen Corneau formally of Stephenville, NL and I would like to thank all the support that we get from Newfoundlanders. Please keep our troops in mind over the festive season, remember they're over there to help out man kind. I would also like to say hi to my mother & step-father Marg & bob Barry in Stephenville also my mother-in-law Hilda benoit of Piccadilly. Support our troops please
CPL.Stephen Corneau
I Wonder where is purpose in this senseless War?
However, I do realize that this is your Duty, and this is what you all have been called to do!
So, Raise your Heads High with Pride! You All Deserve To Be Very Proud of Your Actions!
On, November 11th, we Remember, the past and the present who have fought for our country, Canada and we support you whole Heartedly!
Bonnie Follett-Kyritsis
There are no words to describe how humbled, thankfull and proud I am of our troops!!! I think of you and your families everyday. I say a prayer of thanks every night for each and every one of you, and hope for your safe return from wherever you are in this crazy world of ours. There are no words to describe my deepest appreciation and respect for the sacrifices you have made, and continue to make for the greater good of Canadians. We have never met and likely will never meet, yet you are willing to fight and risk your lives for the protection of my freedom. For that I will be forever indebted to all of you. I wear red of fridays to show my support, and proudly display the 'support our troops' yellow ribbon magnet on the back of my car.... its not much but its something... So I write this short letter to you to say, Stay Strong!! Keep Up The Good Fight!! We Love and Miss You All !!! Merry Christmas!! And From The Bottom Of My Heart and Soul THANKYOU!!! THANKYOU!!! THANKYOU!!!
Jennifer Age 26
Ottawa, ON
Hi All I hope you know that YOU are making a difference. Thank you all for being so generous by dedicating your time and energy for a cause that you believe in and that right now is necessary. God Bless you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
All the best
Kim Barney
Boys you make me proud to be a Canadian! To all my fellow Newfoundlanders in Kandahar, keep strong boys, were behind you 100%.!!
Derek Layman
We watch the news a lot to just watch and see what is going on over seas with our guys. I wish them all well, and I hope that they can all come home soon. Steve Yetman Grande Prairie, Alberta but from Bryant's Cove, Newfoundland.
Steven and Lisa
You guys are the best, keep up the great work!! You're making all of us back here in Canada proud to be Canadians. Let's show the world again that we are the best damn army in the world. Best wishes to all of you.
Fr. Luke Reddon, Berwick, Nova Scotia
We watch the news every night and really cannot begin to imagine the world where you are. We know that all of you are indeed dedicated to peace . How do we thank you enough , there are not enough words in the dictionary.
Stewart family (Jane, Chris and Hunter)
God Bless You All! I say a pray for you every night. Thank you for everything you are sacrificing to be there and help to make our world a safer place.
Tomorrow I am attending my sons graduation. He joined the reserves in January 2005 (Argyll's - Hamilton, ON). He has completed 8 weeks of basic training (London, Meaford) and will be going to Petawawa on Friday for another 10 days. It is through listening to his infrequent calls that I have a little knowledge of exactly what it means to be a soldier. He is so proud of his country and of all of you.
Carol Torkoff
I would like to say Hi to my cousin Lee Cummings who is currently at war, and who will be going to Afghanistan in January to battle. I am worried sick about him, but I know he's strong so I'll just have to stay positive and keep praying for him like I do every single night. I am very proud of you Lee, and I miss you very much. Please come back to me safe and sound and in one piece.....your like my brother and I'm lookin' forward to the day you return to me. Love's Ya!
Nicky
Hi to all the brave who have traveled to the other side of the world for the faith you have in our country. Please keep safe and come home soon. To all the injured : Heal soon and come home
To all the families of these brave souls remember they are fighting for what they believe in...............
Rest in peace to all we have lost and our prayers are with your families.
Keep your heads held high and be brave.
Judy Enders
As Americans and 9-11 strandees, we would like to thank all of the Canadian forces who are serving to protect the world from terror and terrorism. We will be forever grateful for your countiry's compassion and support during 9-11-01. God bless you all and we wish you a safe return to your families.
Penny and Lew Bellas
Hi There from the rock, Newfoundland.
Happy Canada day guys and girls.
Please stay safe and keep up the good work. Sorry to hear about the bombing of a "chill" place for you guys at base....too close.
Hillier seems cool.
Come home soon.
Lesley - Flatrock
I would just like to say how proud I am of you all for drawing the line in the sand. ( no pun intended )
Your efforts and sacrafices are not in vane. We can hold our heads high knowing that Canada cares about thoughs in other parts of the world much less fortunate then we are. Please do your job well, make us proud, and above all be come home to us.
With deepest respect, Steve Nowacki
I am a 35year old person from Orangeville, Ontario, and I just thought you should know guys and girls that I support you 100%. You do a tough job and a needed service, you represnt us with dignity and respect for all you encounter. You show great patience and integrity, more than sometimes I think is humanly possible. You have been know and will be in my thoughts and if it ever comes down to a time when you think that the job you do is not supported by US (Canadians), just read this letter and know that "I" as a CANADIAN, born, living, and will die, a CANADIAN, Support you with all my being. MY grandfather served, and I know what you do and who you do it for "US".
Brian Hooper
I have a brother, Sgt Chris Wahlen, who is stationed in Shilo MN. My sympathy goes to the families and friends of our fallen soldiers, especially to the family of friends of my brother who lost their lifes.
Keep up a great job you all do. We are very proud of you all.
John Whalen
Good morning to you all.keep your sprits up remember that you have a great province to come home to and somewhere you can always hang your hat and live in peace.And for those troops that want to visit this great province they are all welcome there is always extra in the pot for them.
Lt. Travis Young (Reserves)
I have a brother, Wayne Walsh, who is stationed in Kingston, ON but is now overseas to the United Arab Emirates. We have weekly, and sometimes daily contact with him. He is doing very well and will return to Canada in mid-June. I know that this is not a dangerous place to be, but my thoughts are always with the troops who are overseas (especially Kandahar and Iraq).
My sympathy goes to the families and friends of our fallen soldiers, especially today to the family of the first female killed in line of duty for many years.
Keep up a great job you all do. We are very proud of you all.
Denise Stack - Goulds
Hi to all of our Newfoundland soldiers and indeed all of the soldiers from the entire country. We are so proud of you and support you all 100%. Keep your heads down, keep your sense of humor and humanity, and continue to make us all proud. God Bless and God Speed!
Sandra Coleman - Corner Brook, NL
With many warm thoughts of my dad Retired Armed Forces Sergeant!
I would like to send my prayers and thoughts to all the Soldiers whom are doing so much for out Country and risk so much! My prayers & thoughts are with each family member .loved one . And Solider ! you are our heroes!
Della Cornect
Just saw your website and as a retired military person and former resident of the Rock this type of support is great.
The photo on your webpage page is of several of my Military Police colleagues.
Keep up the great work on the Rock.
Regards,
R.J. (Bob) Smith, Retired Military Police Sergeant (former Gander resident)
My prayers & thoughts are with you. Be careful & come home safely to your family & friends.
We are very proud of all of our enlisted men & women. So from my family to all of you God Bless and know that most Canadians will always remember you for what you are doing.
Carolann - Carbonear, Newfoundland
Canadians are very proud and honored that your choice for life is to make ours better. We all know of or have family in the military, but whenever we see things happen whether it be good or bad it makes us feel like we are all family. We laugh when you laugh and cry when you cry. Canada may be big in land but there's one heart which connect us all. We are waiting for all your safe arrival home - hopefully soon.
Heather Dunne
Sunday morning April 23 yesterday was tragic. Our guys are making a difference and to give up now would be disrespectful to those who have given all to this point. There are better days ahead, we are proud of you all.
Clar Pat