Orlando uses 'Ribbon' to help U.S. Vets

NEW YORK (AP) -- "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" was not originally meant as a political statement, but Tony Orlando is running with it.
For Memorial Day today, he is releasing a book called "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" and donating proceeds to U.S. Vets, a group that finds homes for veterans.
"It was truly a love song," he said of the 1970s classic by Tony Orlando and Dawn, speaking Sunday on ABC's "This Week."
"I had no idea that it would have a significance to the American people or become part of the tapestry of American folklore."
He said he first realized the song was becoming a statement about the military when Bob Hope told him at a concert to welcome home prisoners of war.
Hope told him: "'Oh, I heard your record on the radio, and that opening line, "I'm coming home, I've done my time," Tony, is every mother's wish, and ... every soldier's dream come true.'"
Orlando continued: "And he said, 'You know, you're going to be singing this song to welcome home troops for the rest of your career.' "
His book, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon: While We Are Apart," celebrates what the yellow ribbon has come to signify, according to Amazon.com.