Michigan Army National Guard
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Unit
Insignia
- Description: A
gold metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in
height consisting of a wavy blue U-shaped scroll
inscribed in gold letters with the motto "WITH
HONOR WE SERVE," the ends turned inward and
conjoined with the lower side petals of a blue
fleur-de-lis with central section formed by a white
spearhead, the shaft of the spear surmounted below the
head by a blue disc bearing a gold griffin segreant and
terminating in base upon the center of the scroll.
- Symbolism: The
griffin, a symbol of vigilance and readiness, is adapted
from the crest of the Michigan Army National Guard and
the spear at center symbolizes the defensive mission of
the National Guard. The wavy blue scroll signifies the
waters in and around Michigan and the simulated
fleur-de-lis alludes to the French heritage of the
state.
- Background: The
distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for
Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment and noncolor
bearing units of the Michigan Army National Guard on 4
November 1971. The insignia was redesignated effective
30 December 1983, for Headquarters, State Area Command,
Michigan Army National Guard.
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Shoulder
Sleeve Insignia
- Description: On
a blue shield 2 7/8 inches (7.30 cm) in height and 2 3/8
inches (6.03 cm) in width, a yellow griffin segreant on
a twist of yellow and blue.
- Symbolism: The
shoulder sleeve insignia is adapted from the crest of
the Michigan Army National Guard. The griffin is a
symbol of vigilance and readiness. As the original
exploration and settlement within the State was French,
the twists of the wreath are yellow (gold) and blue.
- Background: The
shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for
Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Michigan
National Guard on 7 March 1949. It was redesignated on
30 December 1983, for Headquarters, State Area Command,
Michigan Army National Guard.
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Crest
for Coat of Arms
- Description:
That for the regiments and separate battalions of the
Michigan Army National Guard: From a wreath of colors, a
griffin segreant Or.
- Symbolism: In "LaSalle
and the Discovery of the Great West," Parkman
describes in Chapter XI et seq., the building of the "Griffin"
in 1679 in the calm waters above Niagara Falls. La Salle
built the ship to carry his expedition and supplies
through the Great Lakes and carved a griffin for its
figurehead. He did this in honor of his patron, Count
Frontenac; the griffin was a portion of the count's
armorial bearings. This was the first whiteman's ship to
navigate the great waters which enclose and are enclosed
by Michigan. It sailed through Lake Erie, up the Detroit
River, past the site of the future city, through Lake
St. Clair, up the St. Clair River, through Lake Huron;
it stopped at the settlement at Michillimacinac (Macinac
Island), visited St. Ignace, sailed into Green Bay and
down into Lake Michigan.
- Background: The
crest for color bearing organizations of the State of
Michigan was approved on 9 August 1924.
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