The Commemorative Flags Blog

U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare   The United States Navy Submarine Service, often referred to as the “Silent Service”, is renowned for its stealth, precision, and strategic importance. Staffed by highly trained and specialized personnel, it operates some of the most advanced submarines in the world. These vessels carry out a wide array of critical missions, including: Anti-surface and antisubmarine warfare Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance

The Department of Defense Seal The United States Department of Defense Seal   The U.S. Department of Defense, or DoD, is a cabinet-level executive branch department responsible for coordinating and supervising all functions of the U.S. Armed Forces. This includes the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force, as well as the Coast Guard when operating under DoD authority during wartime or by presidential order.   Originally established by Congress as the War Departm

American by Birth… Patriot by Choice Seal The American by Birth… Patriot by Choice Seal   "American by Birth – Patriot by Choice" is a powerful and succinct statement that embodies the spirit of voluntary devotion to the principles and ideals of the United States.   "American by Birth" affirms a natural tie to the nation – being born on American soil or to American parents. But birthright alone doesn’t define character or loyalty.   "Patriot by Choice" is where the real weigh

The U.S. Navy Seal Team Logo The U.S. Navy SEALs: America’s Maritime Special Operations Force   The Navy SEALs are the United States Navy’s premier special operations force, forged to operate in every domain – sea, air, and land – from which their name is derived. These elite warriors are trained for small-unit, high-impact missions across the most challenging environments, including maritime, jungle, urban, arctic, desert, and mountainous terrain. Their operations often invo

Special Operations Dog Handler Special Operations Dog Handler   Special Operations K-9s – also known as Multi-Purpose Canines, or MPC’s, and Combat Assault Dogs, or CAD’s – are elite working dogs deployed by military and specialized law enforcement units. These highly trained canines support critical missions by detecting explosives, improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, and other hazardous materials.   They lead the way in high-risk environments, performing scouting, patrol

An Eagle Atop We Are Not Descended From Fearful Men An Eagle Sitting Atop “We Are Not Descended From Fearful Men!”   We need to bring Edward Murrow’s words of 1954 back into the conversation today! His warning at that time wasn’t just about McCarthyism and the fear of communism – it was about the greater danger of allowing fear to shape our nation’s soul. That speech was a call to courage, to reason, and to our foundational American belief in liberty – even when it's uncomfor

The U.S. Navy Seal or Emblem The U.S. Navy Seal or Emblem   The United States Navy operates on, above, and below the world’s oceans as America’s forward-deployed force, serving as a powerful deterrent to aggression worldwide. As the maritime service branch of the Department of Defense, it stands as the most formidable naval force on Earth. As of 2021, the U.S. Navy boasts the largest military fleet by displacement, totaling approximately 4.5 million tons.   The Navy commands

Police Badge With the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor The Law Enforcement Oath of Honor is a solemn pledge taken by law enforcement officers to uphold the highest ethical standards in their profession. It was developed and promoted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the IACP, to serve as a foundational commitment to integrity, service, and accountability.   The Oath of Honor calls on all officers to uphold the highest ethical standards. It affirms the unwaver

We Are Not Descended From Fearful Men We Are Not Descended From Fearful Men   The 1950s were a time of national anxiety. McCarthyism stirred up suspicion and paranoia, turning neighbor against neighbor in the name of rooting out communism. But Edward R. Murrow – a respected journalist and a veteran of war – stood firm. On that March night in 1954, he reminded Americans of who we are at our core – a people forged in struggle, sacrifice, and unflinching courage. His words cut t

The Department of the Navy – USMC Component The Department of the Navy – USMC Component That's correct! The United States Marine Corps has been a component of the Department of the Navy since June 30, 1834, proudly serving alongside its sister service, the United States Navy. The Marine Corps maintains a global presence, operating both from land-based installations and aboard amphibious warfare ships. In addition to their ground and sea capabilities, Marine Fighter Attack Squ

There's a New Sheriff in Town Yes, there's a new sheriff in town! The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal executive department responsible for safeguarding the nation from threats. It combines responsibilities from several agencies and is roughly equivalent to the interior or home ministries in other countries. DHS’s core missions include: Counterterrorism Border security Immigration enforcement and administration Cybersecurity Disaster response a

Bald Eagle Holding the American Flag The bald eagle, native to North America, was chosen as the national bird of the United States in 1782. It stands as a powerful symbol of American identity, patriotism, and the enduring ideals upon which our nation was founded. With its majestic presence and commanding strength, the eagle represents the resilience and determination of the American spirit. Today, the bald eagle remains a proud emblem of our nation's values – strength, courag

The Eagle's Head as a Symbol of America   The symbolism of the eagle is legendary, stretching back to ancient civilizations where it was revered as a sign of power, courage, and authority. In America, that symbolism took on a uniquely patriotic meaning. During the Revolutionary War, legend tells of a bald eagle soaring over a battlefield at dawn, its piercing cry echoing across the hills. It was interpreted by Patriot soldiers as a call to arms and a cry for liberty. In 1782,

The United States Air Force Logo The U.S. Air Force logo – officially known as the "Arnold Wings" or the "Hap Arnold Emblem" – is a modern symbol introduced in 2000 that represents the heritage, mission, and future of the Air Force.   The United States Air Force Mission Statement is “To fly, fight, and win... in air, space, and cyberspace.”   The mission of the Air Force is to defend our nation through the control and exploitation of air and space. In close partnership with t

K-9 Units in Law Enforcement and Military Roles The term K-9  refers to dogs trained for police, military, and security operations....

Don’t Tread On Me! “Don’t Tread On Me” is a historic American motto that stands as a warning against oppression and a declaration of self-determination. Rooted in the spirit of the American Revolution, it symbolizes the resolve to defend personal liberty and resist tyranny. The phrase is famously paired with the image of a coiled rattlesnake – native to America, fiercely independent, and ready to strike when provoked. This emblem represents vigilance, strength, and the unyiel

The Department of the Air Force Seal The United States Air Force is one of the three military branches within the Department of Defense. It is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Space Force. The civilian head of the department is the Secretary of the Air Force, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The highest-ranking military officer in the Air Force is the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who serves as

Your K-9 Partner Has Your Back Your K-9 partner is more than just a dog – they’re your lifeline! A strong bond between a handler and their K-9 means that the dog knows exactly what’s expected and performs with precision and purpose. And this isn’t just any job. On any given day, that K-9 might be tracking down narcotics, locating a missing child or elderly person, or detecting explosives. These are life-or-death missions – and there’s no room for error!   But a K-9 team does

The Maltese Cross The Maltese cross, long associated with bravery and service, stands as a powerful emblem worn by firefighters across the world. It represents their unwavering commitment to protect life and property – even at the risk of their own lives. This sacred symbol traces its origins to the Order of the Knights of Malta, a Catholic military order that defended the Christian faith and tended to the sick and wounded during the Crusades.   The eight points of the Maltes