124th Regiment, Vermont Army National Guard

124TH REGIMENT, VERMONT ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield: Per fess enhanced Or and Sable, in chief a battle-axe Gules and in base a lion rampant of the first.
Crest: That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Vermont Army National Guard: From a wreath Or and Sable, a buck’s head erased within a garland of pine branches, all Proper.
Motto: VIRIDIMONTES DEFENDEMUS (We Defend The Green Mountains).

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in width overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per fess enhanced Or and Sable, in chief a battle-axe Gules and in base a lion rampant of the first. Attached below the shield a yellow scroll inscribed “VIRIDIMONTES DEFENDEMUS” in Black.

Origin/meaning

The service of the former organization, the 124th Antiaircraft Artillery, is indicated by the battle-axe, a favorite Teutonic weapon and heraldic charge throughout the medieval period, which represents the Rhineland campaign. The gold lion on the black field is taken from the arms of Bavaria, and symbolizes the Central Europe campaign, which was centered around the large province.

The Coat of Arms and Distinctive Unit Insignia was originally approved for the 124th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion on 21 April 1953. They was cancelled on 8 September 1961. The insignia was reinstated and redesignated for the 124th Regiment, with the blazon and symbolism revised, on 20 May 1997. Literature: Image of the Coat of Arms from Olompvo on Pinterest and the Distinctive Unit Insingia from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army. Information from The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.