Boy Scout Insignia Right Front Ribbon Pins

A "ribbon pin" or "dangle" is an object which hangs from the POCKET BUTTON on either the right or left side. A separate page within the Badge and Uniform Site addresses the special Powder Horn training program and it's emblem which is worn over the LEFT pocket of the field uniform.

NESA Ribbon Pin ("Dangle"):

Steve asked:

WHEN, HOW AND CAN YOU WEAR THE NESA POCKET DANGLE???

That's one of the most closely-guarded "secrets" that the BSA's insignia arena has kept. and I'm now going to reveal it to you...and everyone else!

The story is this: Back in the middle 80s, the BSA's National Eagle Scout Association decided to produce a series of items specifically targeted to its members. Included in those items was a NESA ribbon, which is a red, white and blue ribbon on which is suspended a silver charm with the NESA logo.

The ORIGINAL intent was for the item to be worn suspended from the LEFT POCKET BUTTON in a similar manner as the Order of the Arrow (and later the Founders' Award) ribbons are suspended. On the ribbon of the NESA ribbon would go the Eagle Scout's Palms if earned, or the small Eagle Scout pin to signify that the NESA member received one of the earlier National Presidents' Scoutmaster Awards (a plaque which was awarded one per BSA Regional Area to an "outstanding Scoutmaster").

Initially, the BSA's Supply Division (which controls the Uniform and Insignia Committee) and the Boy Scout Division approved the new item, and it was quickly placed into production. At the same time, the BSA's Insignia Guide was changed to remove reference to the placement of the Palms on the Eagle Scout square knot.

Then, about two or three months BEFORE the ribbon was to be finally approved and released to the field, the Uniform and Insignia Committee Advisor changed his mind, stating that "that's part of the reason why we have the square knot!" and the idea of the NESA ribbon for the Eagle Palms was quietly shoved over into a corner.

When the Ribbon was released, because of the confusion, the only description was that "it is to suspend from the pocket of the NESA member". Which side...the RIGHT side, where the OA ribbon is being currently suspended from in many Lodges; or the LEFT side, as originally thought up?

This went on for about two years or so, Steve, and in 1992, the NESA finally decided that the best place for it would be on the right side with the OA ribbon. That's where it goes *today*.

Officially, Steve, NOTHING is to be attached to the ribbon; unofficially, those holders of the NESA Scoutmaster Award and the National Presidents' Scoutmaster Award can place the silver Eagle on the ribbon; likewise, unoffically, those holders of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award can place the gold Eagle pin on the ribbon (and those few holders of both awards can place both Eagle pins on the ribbon).

The ribbon is worn informally and formally at the member's discretion. It can be worn in addition to or in the place of the Order of the Arrow or the Founders' Award ribbons.

Order of the Arrow Ribbon Pin ("dangle"): Settummanque!

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