Rhode Island Army National Guard, US
RHODE ISLAND ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, US
 (Shoulder Sleeve Insignia) |
 (Distinctive Unit Insignia) |
 (Crest) |
Official blazon
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Description: A stylized shield edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) scarlet border, 2 7/8 inches (7.30 cm) high and 2 3/4 inches (6.99 cm) wide overall, divided vertically white and blue bearing a diagonally crossed anchor and sword counterchanged.
Distinctive Unit Insignia. Description: A Gold color metal and enamel device 15/16 inches (2.38 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, an anchor Or; on Gold scrolls above the shield the inscription "STATE OF RHODE ISLAND," and below the shield the motto "HOPE" in Blue letters.
Crest. Description: That for regiments and separate battalions of the Rhode Island Army National Guard: From a wreath of colors, an anchor paleways Or.
Origin/meaning
Shoulder Sleeve Insignia: The State flag of Rhode Island is white, recalling the white uniforms worn by the state's soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Blue refers to the importance of the sea to Rhode Island in all aspects of its civic and commercial history. The sword represents the National Guard and the U.S. Army. The anchor is adapted from the state flag of Rhode Island. Red signifies courage and sacrifice and with white and blue, refers to the flag of the United States. The shoulder sleeve insignia was approved on 12 August 1993.
Distinctive Unit Insignia: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the State Staff and State Detachment, Rhode Island National Guard on 20 February 1931. It was redesignated for Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Rhode Island Army National Guard on 3 December 1970. The insignia was redesignated effective 1 October 1982, for Headquarters, State Area Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard.
Crest: There is a record of 1647 in which "It is ordered that the seal of the province be an anchor." The crest for color bearing organizations of the State of Rhode Island was approved on 9 January 1924.
Literature: Images and Information form The Institute of Heraldry, US Army.