[irishpipes]

Sarah, do you know how it works when badges are returned to HQ after a member passes away? I ask because at our last AC meeting, the president brought up the subject of a deceases member's badge. She was very much beloved and was not only a notable AOII but a prominent member of our community. The badge is gorgeous also. Anyway, the president said that if we returned it to HQ it would be put back into the "pool" and given to a new initiate. Is that true? Can a new initiate get a "used" badge? I would think anything purchased by a new initiate would be brand new.

I know that our older ladies were appalled to think that someone would get this badge without knowing anything of its history or the contributions of the person who wore it. I thought it didn't sound right. Maybe it would end up on the resale list Katherine was talking about. Also, in a case like that, would it be acceptable to NOT turn the badge in, but to keep it in our chapter as a specialty badge - for example to be worn by the AC president or something?

I know this is what our ladies want to do, but they would never violate any AOII policy. Thanks!