The U.S. military has an abundant history and much in common no matter the branch. Know the history of the military pins used to express patriotism and rank.
Perhaps the strongest symbol of U.S. patriotism is the American flag lapel pin. No modern president addresses a crowd without bearing it, and even civilians sometimes display them to shout love for their country loud and clear.
The American flag pin is just one iteration of pins worn by the U.S. military throughout history. The U.S. military pin has an abundant history and much in common regardless of the decade or branch.
Keep reading to find out more about the history of military pins used to express patriotism and rank.
Military Pins: The Origin Story
The first time military lapel pins appeared in American history was during the Civil War in the 1860s. Their original purpose was for soldiers to display their unit number for identification.
Some units in the civil war were so big, the soldiers didn’t have a chance to know their brethren by name or face. The pin was a way for them to identify those from their own units and those from other units.
They were also used as a way to organize and promote a sense of unity and loyalty between units when they were traveling long distances across the country.
The original pins were small and made from brass. The displayed image varied based on unit, rank, and branch.
The Civil War
During the Civil War, the pins were mandatory. Soldiers had to display their pins as a badge of identification.
Once the Civil War was over, the meaning of the military lapel pins evolved to mean something else. In World War 1, it was no longer necessary to identify American soldiers from one another; they were on the same team.
In hindsight, they weren’t the most effective means of identification due to their small size. But the meaning behind them continued to evolve long after the Civil War.
In World War 1, the pins took on a meaning of status. They were awarded to soldiers for bravery and exemplary service. This is where the term “badge of honor” comes from.
Later still, pins became a token of appreciation for fallen soldiers. They were given as gifts to the wives, families and loved ones of those who had fallen in battle.
After World War 1
When World War 1 was over, the pins became a widespread patriotic adornment. They were worn by veterans to display a sense of pride, loyalty, and patriotism in post-war America.
Veterans and their families would wear the lapel pins to dress up or accessorize clothing. They are seen within the military as a token of loyalty and support.
After the first world war and leading up to modern-day, military pins have been established as an industry in and of themselves.
They soon became a commodity with replicated versions being sold to civilians. To this day, you’ll see people wearing American flag pins on their lapels to demonstrate love, loyalty, and allegiance to America.
Pins are now produced for protests, rallies, brand awareness, fundraising, and clubs. They are recognized as a symbol of unity and have the power to bring people together under a common cause.
Types of Pins
The original, vintage pins were created in five categories to represent the five military branches: army, air force, marine corps, navy, and coast guard.
Army
Each branch has its own unique history with its own motto and logo. The oldest of the military branches, the army, was first established in 1775 to fight against Great Britain in the Revolutionary War.
It’s interesting to note then, that before the Revolutionary War, the American military insignia was modeled after British insignia. That’s where ranking terminology like sergeant, colonels, generals, and lieutenants came from.
The original U.S. army pin displayed the US army logo; a yellow-outlined white star with black accents. In 1975, the official Army seal and the American flag were introduced and engraved the lapel pins.
Navy
Also established in 1775 at the start of the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Navy was one of the world’s first groups of elite troops.
Known as the defender of the seas, the Navy’s motto is “Honor, Courage, Commitment”. Navy pins display the image of an eagle with its wings spread.
Marine Corps
The Marine Corps is a smaller, less exclusive military branch and were originally established as part of the Navy. They became a separate service in 1798.
Their motto is “Semper Fidelis”, which means “Always Faithful”, and the logo displayed on marine corps pins is the eagle, globe, and anchor.
Though their main specialty is amphibious operations, the Marines have expanded their service to include ground combat in recent years. The Marines do not have their own medical corps and use Navy resources for medical support.
Air Force
The newest military branch in America, the air force was established in 1947. It was put into place after the second world war to increase security measures by air.
Air force pins display the logo of the Arnold wings and star, named after general Hap Arnold. The meaning behind the air force symbol is to honor the heritage of the past while representing the promise of the future.
Coast Guard
The U.S. coast guard is the smallest military branch. And even though it’s been around for centuries, it seems to be the branch most often forgotten about.
Established in 1790, the motto of the Coast Guard was “Semper Paratus”, meaning “Almost Ready”. Its emblem is two crossed anchors, stars and stripes.
Other Military Tokens
During the Revolutionary War, the U.S. military couldn’t afford official uniforms. So General George Washington proposed that soldiers wear badges of distinction to display their rank.
These badges of distinction were originally in the form of different colored cockades displayed in their hats. The military beret was first used in 1943 and became more widespread in decades following.
Military coins were another token of appreciation in the military. They were given to men when they graduated from the air force. Learn more about the history of military coins.
What it Means in Modern Times
Military pins have a long and colorful history for Americans. They now represent honor, commitment, and patriotism.
Original, vintage lapel pins are now a collector’s item and can be found numerous places online and in military history shops and museums. Did you enjoy this article? Keep an eye on this space for more like it.
