Virginia Army National Guard, US

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VIRGINIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, US

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Arms of Virginia Army National Guard, US

(Crest)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: Description: On a scarlet five-sided polygon tapered and pointed at top a gray saltire within a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) gray border the scarlet area edged white, the saltire charged with a white chain throughout, crossed and broken at center by a white spear bendwise, 3 5/16 inches (8.41 cm) in height and 2 5/8 inches (6.67 cm) in width overall.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height consisting of a white saltire on a scarlet background enclosed by a circlet of twelve black chain links, the lower central link separated into two parts by the shaft of a gold spearhead issuant vertically from the center of an obtuse V-shaped blue scroll enclosing the base and inscribed in gold "THUS EVER TO TYRANTS," the spear tip impaling the chain link at upper center.

Crest for Coat of Arms of Regiments and Separate Battalions of the Virginia Army National Guard: From a wreath of colors, "Virtus the genius of the Commonwealth dressed as an Amazon, resting on a spear with one hand and holding a sword in the other; and treading on Tyranny, represented by a man prostrate, a crown falling from his head, a broken chain in his left hand and a scourge in his right" all Proper.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: The scarlet is for bravery and also alludes to the blood of Virginia troops shed in defense of State and Nation. The color gray and the saltire refer to the Confederacy and also to unity of strength. The spear severing the chain symbolizes the breaking of the "chains of tyranny," and the constant readiness of the Virginia Commonwealth to fight for freedom, the color white referring to purity of purpose. The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Virginia National Guard on 23 November 1956. It was redesignated with description amended for Headquarters, State Area Command, Virginia Army National Guard on 30 December 1983.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: The white saltire on the scarlet background refers to Virginia's colonial heritage and further signifies Virginia's entry into the union as the 10th state. The broken chain, the spear and the motto as well are adapted from the Seal of the State. The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and noncolor bearing units of the Virginia Army National Guard on 31 August 1971. It was redesignated effective 30 March 1983, for Headquarters, State Area Command, Virginia Army National Guard.

Crest: One of the first acts of the Virginia State Convention of 1776 was to provide a seal. The design was reported by George Mason but is said by Girardin, under the supervision of Jefferson to have been devised by George Wythe. The design was entirely classic and the words of the report describing the seal are remarkable for clearness and precision. The crest for color bearing organizations of the State of Virginia was approved on 8 October 1923.