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USS Ronald Reagan Plankowners Ring
Balfour created a customized ring especially for the first crew of
the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier. The first crew of a Navy vessel
is referred to as a "plankowner," a term with centuries
of history and pride. In the earliest ships, sailors often slept on
the deck and the first crew selected their own plank as some were
more comfortable than others. Later when the ship was decommissioned,
those sailors would take a piece of that plank as a memento of their
time at sea.
The unique ring was created with the help of the ship's plankowners
and includes the words "Peace Through Strength" around the
top stone which was a recurring theme in President Reagan's administration.
Four stars symbolize the 40th presidency and the Four Pillars of Freedom
articulated by President Reagan: preserving individual liberty, promoting
economic opportunity, advancing global democracy, and building national
pride.
The sides of the ring carry the ship's proud seal and the date of
her commissioning, July 12 2003. Representatives from Balfour attended
the commissioning and presented a commemorative ring to Nancy Reagan in
honor of her husband.
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