Design and Symbolism
The emblem recommended by the 1868 board consisted of a globe (showing the continents of the Western Hemisphere) intersected by a fouled anchor, and surmounted by a spread eagle. On the emblem itself, there is a ribbon, clasped in the eagle's beak, bearing the Latin motto "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful). The uniform insignias omit the motto ribbon.
The general design of the emblem was probably derived from the Royal Marines' "Globe and Laurel." The globe on the U.S. Marine emblem signifies the Corps' readiness to service in any part of the world. The eagle represents the United States. The anchor, which dates back to the founding of the Corps in 1775, acknowledges the naval tradition of the Marines and their continual service within the Department of the Navy.
There are some differences between the uniform insignia for enlisted Marines and that of officers: the enlisted Marines' insignia is die-struck from a single sheet of brass, while the officers' insignia is assembled from four parts: globe with eagle, anchor, cable, and continents. The insignias which all Marines wear on the green Service uniform are painted flat black. The insignias on enlisted Marines' blue Dress uniform are bright brass, while the globe, eagle and cable on the officers' are silver and the anchor and continents are gold plated. The officers' insignia does not include the island of Cuba- this does not have any historical significance but is simply due to the manufacturing difficulties posed in attaching such a small item to the globe.
Read more about this topic: Eagle, Globe, And Anchor
Famous quotes containing the words design and/or symbolism:
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