Blue Ribbon Badge

The blue ribbon badge was created by Francis Murphy, 1836-1907, who was a chief advocate of the temperance movement in America and abroad in his generation. The badge was inspired by a verse in The Bible, Numbers 15:38-39, which says: "Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments, throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue : and it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them."

The ribbon was worn by those who agreed with a pledge of abstinence from alcohol consumption as a beverage, as advocated by Francis Murphy.


Mention of blue ribbon badge made in the book ABSOLUTE SURRENDER by Andrew Murray, published by The Fleming H. Revell Company, 1897, p. 24.

Famous quotes containing the words blue, ribbon and/or badge:

    Blue skies smiling at me
    Nothing but blue skies do I see.
    Irving Berlin (1888–1989)

    I have taken the ribbon from around my neck and hidden it somewhere on my person. If you find it, you can have it. You are free to look for it any way you will, and I will think very little of you if you do not find it.
    Stanley Kubrick (b. 1928)

    Repose and cheerfulness are the badge of the gentleman,—repose in energy.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)