Yellow is for Kidnapping and Hostage

Edie Grunwald
Apr 16, 2017
2 min read

Black is for homicide. Each ribbon color has its meaning to hang on the "Tree of Life." It's an annual Ceremony with Victims for Justice, a nonprofit that assists victims of violence. We were invited to hang a yellow ribbon - yes, absolutely - not knowing that there were other colors and each stood for a violent act.

Why didn't we get black? Slav Marcowitz, Homicide Detective hung the black ribbon. Seems appropriate and was a reminder of the many homicides he probably had to investigate. The first ribbon, a red, white & blue ribbon was hung by Anchorage Police Chief Chris Tolley which represents crimes against those who serve in uniform.

Domestic Violence - purple - Nicole Stanish, AWAIC. Sexual Assault - teal - Keeley Olson, STAR. Assault - orange - Bryan Schroder, Acting US Attorney. Hate Crimes - white - Darrel Hess, Muni Ombudsman. Child Abuse - blue - Bryant Skinner, AK Cares. Sex Trafficking - light green - Jennifer, Priceless. Robbery - green - FBI. Human Trafficking - navy blue - Zach Fields, Dept. of Law. Drunk Driving - red - Paul Honeman, Forget Me Not Mission.

The "Tree of Life" was donated by Victims for Justice to the City of Anchorage during National Crime Victims' Week in 1987. It has become a symbol of hope and remembrance. Guest in attendance tie the colored ribbons to the tree - it's an honor to those who have experienced violent crimes - the individual or the family. I'll add that this event is also an opportunity for the VIPs who attend to reach out and shake hands, greet, and mingle. It's an investment in our future. Many attendees were in tears.

National Crime Victims' Rights Week: Strength, Resilience, Justice.