Collar Emblem (EGA)
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[edit] The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA)
The Marine emblem as we know it today, dates from 1868 when General Zelin, the 7th Commandant, decided on a singly distinctive emblem centered around the globe. General Zelin's U.S. Marine Globe displayed the Western hemisphere, as the Royal Marines had the Eastern hemisphere on theirs.
The eagle and fouled anchor were added to leave no doubt about the Corps being both American and maritime. Incidentally, whenever our Corps has been involved in creating another Marine Corps, such as the Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese Marine Corps, they have adopted emblems similar to ours.
Whether you are a Private or a General is secondary compared to the privilege you share of wearing the emblem.
COLLAR EMBLEMS - Although officers have worn collar emblems since the 1870s, enlisted Marines did not rate this privilege until August 1918 when Franklin D. Roosevelt, then asst. Secretary of the Navy, visited the 4th Marine Brigade in France, shortly after Belleau Wood. In recognition of the brigade's victory, Mr. Roosevelt directed on the spot that enlisted Marines would henceforth wear the "Eagle,Globe & Anchor" on their collars.
THE EAGLE - Wings spread over the globe is the symbol of a proud nation, a nation of justice and freedom loving people, from all corners of the globe A nation ever reluctant to make war, but ever ready to fight for the preservation of freedom, and if need be, the freedom of all oppressed peoples.
THE GLOBE - The symbol of the field of service of a Marine in the service of his/her country. "Our Flag's unfurled to every breeze, from dawn to setting sun. We have fought in every clime and place where we could take a gun." The Globe, is as well, the symbol of places of origin of the people who compose our Nation, and the worldwide proof of our country's history, that under a democratic government, men can have justice and be free.
THE ANCHOR - Entwined about the lines, is the symbol of the close association of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy, on whose "Man of War'" Marines have fought with skill and valor in every major naval engagement in the history of our country. The anchor is also a symbol of the steadfast faithfulness, even unto death, that our fellow Marines have always shown in defense of our country and the principles and ideals for which it stands.
