LIMESTONE — Family and friends at Loring Air Force Base have tied hundreds of yellow ribbons around a tree outside the base in remembrance of their loved ones stationed in the Persian Gulf.

About 300 yellow cloth ribbons, which symbolize the hope that a loved one far away from home will return safely and quickly, have been tied around a tree outside the base’s west gate.

Dependents at the northern Maine base say the ribbons also give them encouragement and an opportunity to gather with other spouses whose loved ones have been sent to the Middle East.

Each ribbon lists a crew member’s name and includes a personal message such as, “Come home soon,” or “We love you, dad.”