During the late 1970s, various political factions grew tired of an American backed regime in Iraq. A main opposition faction critical of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi was led by Ayatollah Khomeini, stirring further unrest. During the chaos, Americans began fleeing the country. On November 4, 1979, the unthinkable occurred when thousands of young Iranian’s overran the U.S. Embassy and took 90 captives. After an initial shock wore off, a flood of patriotism swept across the United States. When diplomatic efforts failed, and stories of mental and physical abused surfaced, Americans took a personal interest in the continuing saga. A tally of passing days maintained American focus on the hostage crisis. After Penelope Laingen, wife of an embassy hostage, tied a yellow ribbon around a tree in Maryland, a sea of yellow ribbons spread across America. Ribbons stayed in place for more than 14 months.
     Today in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, a permanent monument memorializes the group of would-be rescuers (Operation Eagle Claw) and hostages. Here at Hillcrest Memorial Park a bright collection of 444 American flags represent each day of captivity. January 20th, 2010 marks 29 years since their release.