There's no denying the fundamental role that service members and civilian recipients of awards and medals in Australia have played in the nation's history. From the first Anzacs in World War I to today's veterans in modern conflicts, the service of these individuals in our nation's defence has been a source of pride and inspiration.
But what is often forgotten in telling their stories is their equally important contribution to Australia's cultural identity - the medal ribbons they wear. Each ribbon is designed with a specific colour and pattern, which in turn reflects the unique achievements of every individual. Not only are they symbols of a person's dedication and valour, but they also represent the distinct experiences of our nation's collective history.
Types of Australian Medal Ribbons
While there's a lot to say about the significance and symbolism of the diverse range of Australian Medal Ribbons to honour individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service, the fundamental divisions are based on the specific type of service each ribbon is intended to recognise.
Military Service Ribbons
The first category is arguably the most prolific in terms of contribution to Australia's cultural identity - military service ribbons. These are designed to honour those who have served in the defence forces, whether it’s active duty or reserve forces. The common design elements of these ribbons are an alternating mix of red and blue, often with a white stripe running through the centre.
This design combination reflects the union between military and civilian life, as well as symbolising the courage and valour of our nation's soldiers. When service members receive a ribbon, it's accompanied by the Australian Defence Medal - a complementary honour that functions as a certificate of recognition.
Civilian Service Ribbons
The next category includes civilian service ribbons, which are awarded to individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to their communities. This includes volunteers, emergency services personnel and other public servants. Their immense contributions to our nation's social fabric are reflected in the design of the ribbons.
Each ribbon is characterised by a vibrant mix of colours and patterns, which represent the diversity of service and experiences that each recipient has undergone. In addition, many of them feature a distinctive graphic element that symbolises the different types of service in our nation's communities.
Public Service Awards
The final category is dedicated to public service awards, which honour those who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. These awards are usually reserved for members of the government and other public entities, such as the judiciary, police and other government officials.
Unlike the military and civilian service ribbon bars, these awards are characterised by a distinct colour palette that is designed to reflect the achievements of those who have been recognised for their commitment and dedication. This includes shades of gold and silver, which are intended to represent the prestige and respect associated with such high-level awards.
Design and Symbolism of Australian Ribbons
Historically, there's been an immense amount of thought and consideration that has gone into the design of each ribbon. It's not just the colours and patterns that have been chosen to reflect a recipient's service, but also the symbolism behind them.
In the past, important historical events and milestones have been reflected in the design of ribbons. Notable examples include World War I and the Vietnam War, where specific hues and designs were chosen to commemorate the service of those who served during these conflicts. Another example is the Centenary Medal, which was introduced to honour the 100th anniversary of Australia's Federation.
In addition to significant moments in our nation's history, ribbons often reflect the unique elements that define Australia's culture and identity. This includes national symbols such as the Southern Cross and the Eureka Stockade, as well as iconic symbols like the kangaroo and emu from our natural environment.
The Order of Wear for Australian Ribbons
The exact way each ribbon should be worn is based on a set of official guidelines, which provides instructions for both military uniforms and civilian clothing. Generally speaking, there are two main rules - the order of precedence and the proper etiquette when displaying multiple items.
The order of precedence is used to determine which bar should be placed above the others. This is done by ranking the ribbons from highest to lowest, based on their relative importance. For example, a World War II service ribbon will be placed above a Vietnam War service ribbon, as the former is of higher precedence.
In a similar fashion, medals from higher orders of merit should be placed above medals from lower ones. For instance, the Order of Australia Medal should always be positioned at the top, followed by the Order of Merit, and then any other honours or decorations. That's not to say that these distinctions should be used to judge someone's worthiness - rather, they should simply be observed as part of the protocol.
In terms of etiquette, the most commonly accepted practice when wearing multiple bars is to display them in a neat and orderly manner. This means that each ribbon should be equally spaced, with the highest precedence bar placed at the top. Additionally, when attending formal events and ceremonies, it's recommended to wear a sash or belt that has all the bars pinned onto it.
