Virginia Army National Guard
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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.
- Symbolism: 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.
- Background: 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.
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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.
- Symbolism: 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.
- Background: 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.
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Crest
for Coat of Arms
- Description:
That for the 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.
- Symbolism: 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.
- Background: The
crest for color bearing organizations of the State of
Virginia was approved on 8 October 1923.
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