# Do Any Of The 50 States Have An Honor And Awards System? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 18, 2024, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740 "2024-05-18T16:41:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/1 "2024-05-18T16:41:33Z")
You know how like, in the UK, you can be awarded OBE (Order of the British Empire), or in the US you can be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom? Do any of the 50 US states have a similar system? Like, could Missouri deem Walt Disney “Order of [Chief Taum Sauk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taum_Sauk_Mountain), First Class”? Could Ohio deem Wilbur Wright “Son of [the Beautiful River](https://www.bia.gov/as-ia/opa/online-press-release/origin-names-us-states#:~:text=OHIO%3A%20Iroquois%20Indian%20word%20meaning,river%20of%20the%20same%20name.)” and award an attendant medal? \*I use Missouri and Ohio as illustrations. As far as I know, neither has an internal honors system. ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/2 "2024-05-18T16:45:33Z")
The State of Montana gives out awards periodically. Here’s a [list of them](https://montana.gov/services/awards/). I’m not sure why other states wouldn’t give out awards. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/3 "2024-05-18T16:55:01Z")
The Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken received that honorary title from the [State of Kentucky](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Colonel). ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/4 "2024-05-18T17:10:50Z")
Indiana’s top honorific is the Sagamore of the Wabash. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/5 "2024-05-18T17:14:20Z")
Many mayors have bestowed “keys to the city” > **[List of Keys to the City in the United States](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Keys_to_the_City_in_the_United_States)** > > This is a list of Keys to the City awarded in the United States. > Jefferson City > • Muralist Ray Harvey receives Hannibal, MO key to the city on November 7th, 2023 recognizing his work in Hannibal concerning 25 completed murals. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/6 "2024-05-18T17:25:56Z")
Oh, the rabbit holes I’ve been down. Nebraska, a decidedly landlocked state, has the Nebraska Admiral (formerly Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska), the state’s highest civic honor. > **[Nebraska Admiral](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebraska_Admiral)** > > Nebraska Admiral (formally, Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska) is the state of Nebraska's highest civic honor, and an honorary title bestowed upon individuals by approval of the Governor of Nebraska, the only triply landlocked U.S. state. It is not a military rank, requires no specific duties, and carries with it no pay or any other compensation. Admirals have the option of joining the Nebraska Admirals Association, a non-profit organization that promotes "The Good Life" of Nebra... Illinois has the Order of Lincoln (weird to name it for a car, but okay - I kid, I kid) > **[From A Baseball Hall of Famer to Grammy Winning Artists, Here are the 2024...](https://www.wsiu.org/state-of-illinois/2024-02-16/from-a-baseball-hall-of-famer-to-grammy-winning-artists-here-are-the-2024-order-of-lincoln-recipients)** > > The recipients will be honored on April 13 in Chicago. And if I ever lose my job and need to make a fresh start, I’m going to sell everything I own, move to North Dakota, and set my sights on the Rough Rider Award. [Rough Rider Award - Wikipedia](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rough_Rider_Award#:~:text=The%20Theodore%20Roosevelt%20Rough%20Rider,North%20Dakotans%20since%20its%20inception). ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/7 "2024-05-18T17:34:19Z")
Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico,New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah confer the title of Colonel. Nebraska and Texas confer the title of Admiral. Rhode Island confers the title of Commodore. Arkansas confers the title Arkansas Traveler. > **[Colonel (U.S. honorary title)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonel_(U.S._honorary_title))** > > The honorable title prefix and style of "Colonel" is designated legally for various reasons by US governors in common law to citizens, employees, travelers and visitors within their states. The origins of the titular colonelcy can be traced back to colonial and antebellum times when men of the landed gentry were given the title to commission companies or for financing the local militias without actual expectations of command. This practice can actually be traced back to the English Renaissance... ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/8 "2024-05-18T17:34:32Z")
New York likes to hand out the Trump “Person Who We Are Most Relieved Has Moved to Another State” Award, sculpted out of frozen hot dog cart water in the shape of a door hitting an ass. As in Nebraska, it carries with it no pay or compensation, although a tax lien is customary. ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/9 "2024-05-18T17:42:18Z")
Delaware has the Order of the First State of Delaware Delaware has the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. South Carolina has the Order of the Palmetto and the Order of the Silver Crescent. As far as I know, these orders only give you a plaque or a certificate to hang on your mantel. For wearable medals and ribbons, you generally have to be in the National Guard or the state police. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/10 "2024-05-18T17:47:33Z")
As this is FQ, is that a real award handed out by the City of New York? ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/11 "2024-05-18T18:10:51Z")
Humorous answers are allowed once the OP’s question has been answered. As a non-resident of NYC I would like to remind all posters that New York is the name of the state. Inferring that NY must mean NYC is the verbal equivalent of slapping an Upstater with a wet weenie. Which, coincidentally, _is_ an award given by the City of New York. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/12 "2024-05-18T18:38:06Z")
The movie and play of Inherit the Wind ( loosely based on the scopes monkey trial) bestow upon the counsel for the prosecution an honorary colonelcy in the state militia. The council for the defense objects for this bias, and is reluctantly granted atemporary, honorary colonelcy. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/13 "2024-05-18T19:05:58Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Indiana’s top honorific is the Sagamore of the Wabash. By way of explanation, Sagamore was a Native word for a respected leader, and the Wabash is a river that runs across the state. > [@mbh](#): > > Arkansas confers the title Arkansas Traveler. Apparently, this is only conferred upon a visiting dignitary (the first being Franklin Roosevelt). It would not go to a native Arkansan. Cite for both: > **[You Can't Be Knighted in the U.S., But You Can Be Named a Sagamore of the Wabash](https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/sagamore-commodore-colonel-ceremonial-title-honorary)** > > Or a Kentucky Colonel. Or a Nebraska Admiral. Or a Commodore of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/14 "2024-05-18T19:06:19Z")
FWIW, in the UK, apart from the honours awarded at the Palace, local governments award things like ‘Freedom\* of [the borough/city]’ or ceremonial keys, and of course any number of organisations can invent and award their own medals and fancy commendations. \*Whether that comes with any material benefit (no overdue fines at the public library?) varies. In the (mediaeval) City of London, becoming a Freeman gives you the right to drive your sheep over London Bridge, and once a year there’s a ceremonial occasion to do just that with a handful of bewildered sheep. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/15 "2024-05-18T19:57:01Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > Nebraska, a decidedly landlocked state, has the Nebraska Admiral (formerly Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska), the state’s highest civic honor. I actually am one. You may now commence calling me Admiral BippityBoppityBoo. ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/16 "2024-05-18T20:02:10Z")
Do you get to wear a uniform? How many stars on the epaulettes? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/17 "2024-05-18T20:06:33Z")
If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear the story ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/18 "2024-05-18T20:51:14Z")
[Moderating] > [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > New York likes to hand out the Trump “Person Who We Are Most Relieved Has Moved to Another State” Award, sculpted out of frozen hot dog cart water in the shape of a door hitting an ass. As in Nebraska, it carries with it no pay or compensation, although a tax lien is customary. This is inappropriate for FQ. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/19 "2024-05-18T21:08:21Z")
I would as well. At first I couldn’t understand why Nebraska was the sole state to qualify as triply landlocked. But the [Visit Omaha](https://www.visitomaha.com/blog/post/most-people-have-no-idea-this-unique-park-in-nebraska-exists/) site gives the out. > Nebraska isn’t just landlocked; it’s actually the only triple-landlocked state in the country. That means that you have to travel through at least three states (or two states and a Canadian province) to reach an ocean. Hudson Bay borders Ontario and Manitoba, which knocks off a group of otherwise qualifying states. A quick look around the world gives me only Russia with triply-landlocked districts. The country is divided into republics, oblasts, and krays. Some of the smaller ones south of Moscow seem to be at least triply-landlocked, maybe more. Finding a good large-scale map is difficult. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2024, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740/20 "2024-05-18T21:10:17Z")
I was concentrating on whether we were sufficiently into the thread to not break the rule against humorous posts and I completely forgot the other rule about politics. My apologies. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-any-of-the-50-states-have-an-honor-and-awards-system/1001740.md?page=2)