A badge means a patch or an accoutrement presented recognizing a feat or an accomplishment, or a simple identification. Military badges symbolize qualifications received through military training. Scouting organizations use badges to show group membership and rank. Much known among badges, the star-shaped badge of a U.S. sheriff made famous in Westerns.



A wearable medal means a medal awarded by a government for services to a country. This applies to a medal of coin-like appearance, but the word also refers to an Order or decoration. A table medal means a medal awarded by an organization for services in a specific field for example the Nobel Prize or the Carnagie Hero Medal. A medal also means a medal awarded to winners and runners-up of sporting competitions.

A medal can indicate either an Order, Decoration, or Medal. The most elaborate forms of medals are orders, awarded for distinguished services to a nation or to humanity. Orders differ from other forms of medals and often imply memberships of an organization. Orders were originally fraternities of knighthood and even today there are several classes, known as knights, commanders, officers, members, et cetera.

Decorations are lesser elaborate forms of medals awarded for actions of some type and usually worn with a ribbon on the left chest. Crosses or stars are normally the shapes of Decorations. Medals, orders and decorations, are presented in formal ceremonies and awards are normally worn on only formal occasions. Otherwise, only the ribbons of these awards are worn.

Table medals are circular in shape and are issued for commemoration or souvenir purposes. This example of a medal can be displayed on a table or in a cabinet rather than worn by the winner. Lifesaving incidents call for bravery medals. While usually in metal, table medals have also been issued in wood, plastic, and other compositions.

Honoring the honorable continues to be the main motive of a medal or a badge. Honor means the reputation or self-perception of an individual or of a group. Medals of Honor in the past have been awarded and continue to be awarded by nations to brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.

When awarded more than a single appreciation, medals are clasped on a bar attached to the ribbon. Second awards get sewn on to ribbons known as rosettes.

Organizations and institutions also honor similarly for various purposes. A corporation, or a club or an education institution similarly commemorates the acclaimed. Honorable mentions and citations continue to do much for the self-respect of an individual.

On the medals, commonly inscribed are the names and initials of recipients, names of organizations and the purpose for appreciation.

Badges have varied finished layers according to customized needs. Nickel, rhodium, gold, bronze, and silver, are only some of the metallic finishes. Also engraved on the badges are the names of the institutions or organizations, the designations, abbreviations, et cetera. Badges are also with seals on the surface.

Individuals sport badges customarily on their uniforms or on outfit and hats. Another way of displaying the insignia would be engraving badges on business card holders and cases.

Medals are decorative prizes awarded by various institutions related to sports such as games held at district levels, state levels, national levels, or international levels like the Commonwealth and the Olympic games, and competitions held in social service associations and educational institutions. In fields of science, arts, technology, and administration are certain areas where exceptional performances are acclaimed with medals and ribbons.

Striving to acquire tokens of recognitions and acknowledgment that serve a lifetime are not uncommon. Exemplary courage gets highlighted in this effort. A Herculean effort bestowed with honor and a promise of respect marks this moment.

Honor the meritorious, the commendable, the praiseworthy, and the worthy with an award that pleases. Instilling confidence and self-respect in humans comes easy with badges and medals.

Honor thyself.