Symbols of the Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps has uses some symbols that are widely recognizeable.  Along with the phrase, "Semper Fi" these symbols epitomize the essence of what it means to be a Marine.

 
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor:

This emblem has been part of the United States Marine Corps uniform since 1868 and became the official emblem in 1955.  The eagle with its wings spread represents our nation. The globe is attributed to the Marines presence worldwide.  And the anchor stands for naval tradition. Together, they represent a dedication to service in the air, on land, and at sea.  This emblem is presented at the end of Recruit Training as a rite of passage into becoming a United States Maine.

 The Sword:

Staff Noncommissioned Officers (SNCOs) and Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) carry the 1858 Cavalry sword.  It signifys the Marine Corps’ heritage as America’s original protectors.  The Mameluke sword was origionally given to Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon in 1805 by a Mameluke chieftain in North Africa.  All Marine Corps Officers carried the Mameluke sword by 1825.  The sword was given to them in recognition of their leadership in combat.  Today, it is oldest weapon still in service by United States Armed Forces.
 

Semper Fi:

Semper Fidelis, Latin for "always faithful," is a word that describes the Marine Corps brotherhood that lasts a lifetime.  It became the Marine Corps motto in 1883.  Today, it encourages Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what.