Massachusetts Army National Guard, US

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MASSACHUSETTS ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, US

(Shoulder Sleeve Insignia)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

(Crest)

Official blazon

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: On a red pentagonal background 2 1/2 inches (6.35 cm) in diameter with one side up a yellow and blue wreath supporting a right arm bent at the elbow, clothed and ruffled, the hand grasping a broad sword, all yellow.

Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A gold metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a white pentagon, one point down, bearing a gold and blue wreath supporting a right arm bent at the elbow clothed and ruffled blue, the hand grasping a broadsword and in base a five-pointed star all gold, all above a semicircular bi-folded blue scroll folded back at each end and inscribed "ENSE PETIT PLACIDAM" in gold letters.

Crest. Description: That for regiments and separate battalions of the Massachusetts Army National Guard: From a wreath of colors, a dexter arm embowed, clothed Blue and ruffed White Proper the hand grasping a broad sword Argent the pommel and hilt Or.

Origin/meaning

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: The design is that of the crest of the State of Massachusetts, which was adopted December 13, 1780. The right arm of Captain Myles Standish is in the military uniform of the period, the hand grasping a broad sword. The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Massachusetts National Guard on 5 June 1950. It was redesignated for Headquarters, State Area Command, Massachusetts Army National Guard on 30 December 1983.

Distinctive Unit Insignia: The colors white, gold and blue are taken from the State flag of Massachusetts as are also the Miles Standish arm and sword and the star signifying one of the original thirteen States. The motto is a contraction of the motto on the Massachusetts State flag, which is translated as "this hand opposed to tyrants searches, with a sword, for peaceful conditions under liberty." The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and noncolor bearing units, Massachusetts Army National Guard on 7 January 1974. It was redesignated with description and symbolism amended effective 30 December 1983, for Headquarters, State Area Command, Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Crest: The crest is that of the State of Massachusetts, which was adopted December 13, 1780. The right arm of Captain Myles Standish is in the military uniform of the period, blue sleeve with white lace ruff, the hand grasping a broad sword with gold handle and steel blade. The crest was approved for color bearing organizations of the State of Massachusetts on 20 March 1922. It was amended to correct the description on 16 July 1923.