Rings often have distinct symbolism attached as is often the case with tattoos and clothing. Excusing the play with words, but a band of brothers illustrates this point very adeptly.

To borrow a concept from an old Television series I am going to revisit the very popular at the time, Magnum P.I, a series that aired between 1980 and 1988.

Magnum or Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV , portrayed by Tom Selleck, was a private investigator in Hawaii. In the series, he lived the dream, he stayed in a massive mansion, drove a red Ferrari, worked as and when he pleased and lived on his own terms.

The character descended from a line of Naval officers and he himself performed military service in Vietnam.

There is a stark contradiction in the character between his carefree lifestyle and personality traits and  the military influence he experienced and grew up with.

Amongst the possessions Magnum prized most, was a Rolex he inherited from his father who died during combat in Korea when he was five. This watch had great sentimental value to Magnum as it reminded him of his father he barely remembered.

Magnum’s second most prized possession was a ring both he and his friend Rick wore in remembrance of the time they spent in Vietnam. This ring had a symbol of “the Cross of Lorraine” and was often referred to as their team ring.