'Yellow Ribbon' Singer Orlando Still Devoted to Vets

May 28, 2006 — -- During the last days of the Vietnam War, Tony Orlando's song "Yellow Ribbon" became a national sensation. Orlando has been devoted to America's veterans ever since. And on this Memorial Day, he's releasing a new book, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon," and donating proceeds to U.S. Vets, a group dedicated to finding homes for those who have served.

Tony Orlando: "Yellow Ribbon" was not a song ever written to make a political statement. It was truly a love song. I had no idea it would have a significance to the American people or become part of tapestry of American folklore.

My first experience with it was when we sung it live for the first time at the Cotton Bowl with Bob Hope to welcome home our prisoners of war from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

In all of Bob Hope's shows, the list of stars was as long as his arm. And I got a chance, I asked him, I said, "Mr. Hope, why did you pick us?" He said, "Well, I heard your record on the radio and that opening line, 'I'm coming home, I've done my time,' Tony, is every mother's wish or, and prayer, and every soldier's dream come true." And, he said, "You know, you're going to be singing this song to welcome home troops for the rest of your career."

If I can use the yellow ribbon as a source or a symbol to raise a dollar, or to help a veteran, or to find a van for a disabled veteran in some small town because they can't get to the Wal-Mart to buy what they need at home, then everything I've done as a performer has been worth it to me.

I hope to communicate to young people that Veterans' Day and Memorial Day is not about an old man with a flag and a parade -- that they understand what 'veteran' means, what it took to gain that title.

"Voices" is a weekly segment on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," featuring familiar faces on unfamiliar topics. Each week, ABC News brings you the voices of actors, activists, newsmakers, and leaders.