4 minute read
“Little Blue Ribbon” Kenneth Riege
The inspiration for this story comes from SSG Allen Hankins, US Army, who wrote the poem “Little Blue Ribbon.”
By Kenneth Riege USAF 1985 – 1993
Before I get into this story, I would like to thank the 3,508 recipients of the Medal of Honor. Their stories are truly remarkable, and for more information on all of these amazing individuals, please visit www.cmohs.org.
On Wednesday, February 5th, I had the extreme honor of attending the Medal of Honor Society’s Patriot Awards Banquet at the Ronald Reagan Library. This is such an amazing place, and I am looking forward to making a return trip with my family someday.
At the dinner Army Staff Sargent Allen Hankins blessed us by reading a poem he had written called “Little Blue Ribbon.” I (along with everyone else there) was so moved by this. I reached out to SSG Hankins requesting his permission to do a short story on this poem, which I received and am now honored to share:
“Little Blue Ribbon”
They are more humble than anyone you have ever met. These men wear something that makes them never forget. We never will understand the valiant acts of courage that they had to display. But they remember the ones that didn’t come back that day.
They wear a light blue ribbon with five stars so bright. The Medal that goes with it is not so light. It’s not just another ribbon on their rack. It’s the stories behind it that will take you back. What is this little blue ribbon may you ask? It’s the Medal of Honor and comes with quite a task.
I can’t imagine the burden it may bear, that little blue ribbon that only a few men wear. I’ve seen this Medal worn by men young and old. Little do we know about their stories untold. With the most piercing eyes you have ever seen. Each recipient holds something that is not most serene.
They carry this Medal wherever they go. They wear it as a memory and representation of their fallen brothers that we will never know. A Father, Brother, Uncle or Son. They all carry the Medal for someone. Always behind the Medal stands the most unwavering one.
With the memory of war every time they close their eyes. Dreaming and hearing their brothers cries. We will never know the burden they bear. Memories of them, we will make sure to share. Next time you see that little blue ribbon, look beyond the humble man that’s wearing it and understand what’s hidden.
“SSG Allen Hankins US Army”
So at this event, SSG Hankins stood in front of a crowd of around 300 (to include over 20 of the 71 living Medal of Honor recipients) and presented this beautiful poem without any wavering in his voice. I tell you what, had that been me, I would have been shaking in my shoes. He is such a fine example of today’s military and a truly inspirational American. I am so thankful that my family and I can rest easy every night knowing that SSG Allen Hankins has the watch. I salute you sir and am honored to have met you.
*After further discussion with SSG Hankins, he shared with me the inspirational event that prompted him to write this poem. He, his wife, and friends were having dinner with three MOH recipients in Pueblo, CO, our very own Hershey Miyamura, Drew Dix, and Robert Patterson. He noticed how these three warriors interacted with each other and how positive they were about everything, even though so much bad has happened. It was then that he started the rough draft of “Little Blue Ribbon.” SSgt Hankins admits that he did not realize the impact his first poem would have.
While we are on the subject of the Medal of Honor and Medal of Honor recipients, I wanted to share a book recommendation from one of my very dear friends MOH Recipient Mr. John Baca (Vietnam). John was telling me about a book called “Chicken Soup for the Veteran’s Soul.” He said he was able to read this one in a couple of days but has been going back and rereading some of the different stories. I ordered my copy and am looking forward to also reading it. John’s main recommendation is to make sure you have a box of tissue handy.
One last thing to share, is that Wednesday, March 25th, is National Medal of Honor Day. The holiday has been celebrated since 1991 when then President George H.W. Bush signed Public Law 101-564 on 15 November 1990. This date was selected to be celebrated on March 25th to honor the 23 men who participated in the Great Locomotive Chase. There were 6 who received the first Medals of Honor on March 25, 1863.
This month’s Medal of Honor Quote comes from Vietnam Veteran Mr. Sammy L. Davis (who by the way is also known as the Real Forrest Gump.)
His quote is as follows:
This also happens to be the title of Sammy’s book that can be found on Amazon.
All the quotes that have been provided come from the book titled: “Medal of Honor Quotes Inspiration from American’s Military Heroes” and can be purchased from the Center for American Values in Pueblo, CO.
