When past honorees are called to speak or perform on stage they often wear their ribbons as well.
"Please expunge me from your record of past honorees," she said.
A list of past honorees is listed below.
Of the past honorees, she said, "Nearly everyone had dogs, or dogs and cats."
Memphis-in-May usually honors a different country each year, but this year, because of the 20th anniversary, all past honorees are being recognized.
Past honorees around the city have included church pastors, police officers, firefighters, Special Olympics coaches and school crossing guards.
It has been given annually, with past honorees including Bette Davis and Celeste Holm.
Past honorees of this organization include Sir Anthony Hopkins and Angela Lansbury.
Past honorees included Larry King, Tom Brokaw, and the late Peter Jennings.
Past honorees include: