The anchor emblem is one of the earliest and most recognizable symbols of the United States Marines Corps. It dates all the way back to 1775 when states marines were formed as part of a naval force and included an anchor design in their official insignia. This anchor design has grown to become an iconic Corps iconography, used on service insignia, official colors and several different emblems. The official insignia for the Marines includes a globe with an eagle perched atop it and surrounded by a scarlet ribbon containing both “United States Marine Corps” and “Semper Fidelis”. The emblem also features two crossed rifles behind it representing their readiness for combat. The Marine Corps wooden emblems are today used for decoration and gift purposes and they stand for pride and respect wherever displayed.
The Marine Corps uniform insignia was created in 1955 by President Dwight Eisenhower with Executive Order 10538. It consists of a scarlet background and a blue band with white letters spelling out “United States Marine Corps” and the Latin motto “Semper Fidelis”. On top of this is an anchor, globe and eagle, which are all components of the naval infantry insignia. The eagle has wings spread, representing readiness for flight into battle while clutching a banner in its beak that reads “Semper Fidelis”. The anchor symbolizes the navy’s maritime tradition while the globe stands for service to any part of the world. This uniform insignia is worn on dress uniforms by Marines throughout the United States.
The Marine Corps seal is a traditional symbol of the U.S. Marine Corps and has been part of their identity since its inception in 1775. The corps emblem consists of a crested eagle, spread eagle with its beak resting on a foul anchor and encircled by a bronze globe divided into two parts; one representing the Old World, and the other representing the New World. The new seal which was adopted in 1955, replaces the traditional marine corps crest with an American Bald Eagle grasping an olive branch and arrows in its talons above a scroll inscribed “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful). This symbolizes that even though there have been changes to our nation’s symbols over time, Marines remain true to their core values: honor, courage and commitment. The design also reflects America’s strength by depicting an aggressive but noble bird surrounded by symbolism from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean – signifying our global presence throughout history.
The Marine Corps wooden emblems, also known as the Eagle, Globe and Anchor (EGA), consists of a fouled anchor that was adopted from the naval tradition. The official seal of the U.S. Marine Corps is a golden star which represents General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., who was designated as the 17th Commandant in 1947 and served until 1951. The globe underneath the anchor symbolizes global presence while an eagle with its wings displayed has long been recognized as a symbol of strength and courage; it holds a ribbon in its beak with “Semper Fidelis” inscribed on it – Latin for “Always Faithful”. In addition to these elements, there is also a shield with red and yellow stripes and 13 stars at the crest – representing America’s original 13 colonies – located between two crossed rifles which alludes to combat readiness.