During the mid 1970s various political factions in Iran grew tired of the American backed regime. A main opposition group, critical of Iranian King Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, was led by Ayatollah Khomeini, intent on stirring further unrest. During the escalating chaos in the late 70s, Americans began fleeing the country. On November 4, 1979, the unthinkable occurred when thousands of young Iranians overran the U.S. Embassy and took 90 captives. After the 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 from Operation Eagle Claw and embassy hostages. Here at Hillcrest Memorial Park a bright collection of 444 American flags represent each day of captivity. January 20th, 2016 marks 35 years since their release.

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