The Order of the Yellow Garter
Long ago when the horse Cavalry went off for patrols,
these Troopers would be gone for several days and weeks scouting.
Legend has it that girlfriends and wives of these special Cavalry Troopers
would wear yellow ribbons in their hair while the Troopers were away.
Over the years this idea has taken many forms,
such as the wearing of yellow ribbons
or tying yellow ribbons on trees and houses.
Cavalry tradition has it that when a new wife came to her first Hail and Farewell
she was welcomed into the "Order of the Garter"
by the most junior officer or non-commissioned officer.
This Trooper would welcome each wife by placing a yellow garter on her leg
and a kiss on her cheek for good luck at her new post.
The wife was encouraged to wear her "yellow garter"
to all Cavalry functions or when her Trooper was deployed.
Today, many Cavalry units have replaced this tradition with the giving of a yellow rose.
A Cavalry Wife's Pride