Hostage “Welcome Home” Button

United States 1981

In November 1979, 52 Americans in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran were taken hostage by Iranian students. The hostage crisis lasted for 444 days. Closely following the crisis for over a year, the American public wanted to show their support for the hostages and their families. The yellow ribbon became an iconic symbol of the hope for the hostages’ safe release. When the crisis was finally resolved, Americans widely celebrated the hostages’ return. This button is an example of the many items produced to celebrate and commemorate the occasion.

  • Source/Credit: Gift of Paul D. Cronin
  • Catalog Number: 2011.0033.63
  • Created: 1981
  • Acquired: 2011

This image is in the public domain and no permission is required to use it. Please credit the National Museum of American Diplomacy as the original source, and provide a link back to the item page where possible.

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MLA Format

Hostage "Welcome Home" Button. 1981. National Museum of American Diplomacy, https://diplomacy.state.gov/items/hostage-welcome-home-button

Chicago Format

Hostage "Welcome Home" Button, 1981, National Museum of American Diplomacy, Washington, DC, https://diplomacy.state.gov/items/hostage-welcome-home-button

APA Format

(1981). Hostage "Welcome Home" Button [Object]. National Museum of American Diplomacy, Washington, D.C., United States. https://diplomacy.state.gov/items/hostage-welcome-home-button