City council approved a yellow ribbon campaign for the month of November in the name of Chilliwack soldier Captain Daniel Spielman, and all Canadian military personnel posted overseas.

The request to allow the public to tie yellow ribbons on city lamp standards came in writing from a friend of the Spielman family.

“The purpose of the campaign is to garner support for Daniel and his family as they wait for his safe arrival home from his deployment to Afghanistan,” family friend Lori Bonnefoy wrote in a letter to the city.

During the Monday afternoon council meeting, Coun. Sue Attrill raised the question of how long the campaign would last, given that ribbons tied around poles can deteriorate in the elements and “look beaten up” over time.

Staff said there was no time limit specified.

But Coun. Chuck Stam hastened to add his support for the idea, and suggested they limit the ribbon campaign to the city’s ornamental light poles for the month of November.

The motion passed unanimously.

Captain Spielman’s wife, Tina Spielman, was thrilled to hear of council’s vote to allow the campaign to go ahead.

“It’s a big honour, especially for Daniel because the support from back home means so much,” she told The Progress. “A yellow ribbon is for the troops, but it also shows support for the families.”

She wanted everyone in Chilliwack to know the yellow ribbon campaign will demonstrate support for all military overseas, and she hopes the Progress coverage will raise awareness of how important it is to support the troops.

“I grew up here, and Daniel’s whole family is here,” she said. “We’re used to seeing the yellow ribbons on military bases, but seeing it in the streets of our hometown will be nice since we don’t have a big military base here anymore.”

Captain Spielman was deployed Sept. 15 from Edmonton, as part of a company involved with security in Khandahar province, the 3rd regiment of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He’ll be serving another five months.

“A military career demands commitment and dedication, but also recognition of the personal sacrifices including long absences from home. Although seemingly a small gesture, the yellow ribbon campaign will undoubtedly have a very positive impact, not only for Daniel and his family, but also for the community at large,” wrote Bonnefoy.

“With the support of the City of Chilliwack, our goal of having yellow ribbons displayed on every street in Chilliwack will be that much closer to reality.”

jfeinberg@theprogress.com