The Marine Corps Emblem: Elements and Meaning
For Marines, the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor is a hallowed symbol. It’s a badge of honor. Marines wear the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor on their uniforms; it’s a central part of the Marine Corps flag; and many Marines get it tattooed on their body. Earning the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor is what makes a Marine…a Marine.
The Eagle, Globe, & Anchor consists of three parts. The top part is the Eagle.
The eagle signifies the Marines’ commitment to support and defend the Constitution. It also represents the fact that we fight ‘in the air.’ Our aviation heroes include such figures as the Honorable John H. Glenn, Jr (Marine fighter pilot, test pilot, astronaut, and U.S. Senator).
The Eagle carries a banner in his beak, which is embroidered with our motto, Semper Fidelis. On the Marine Corps flag, there is another banner underneath the whole emblem that says, ‘United States Marine Corps.’
The central part is the Globe. It depicts the Western hemisphere, because that’s where the bulk of the Corps’ action took place in its early history. The Globe also represents our global reach. If you pay close attention to the Marine Corps flag, you’ll notice that the Globe consists of two colors, and shows some lines of latitude.
Behind the Globe is the Anchor, which stands for our ties to the U.S. Navy. Since the earliest days, the Marines have worked with the Navy to be an amphibious fighting organization, able to project force ashore. The Anchor is ‘fouled,’ meaning it has rope (or line) wrapped around it. The Anchor’s fouling does not have a ‘bitter end,’ or a loose end; it is essentially perpetual. This shows that we aren’t going to disappear anytime soon; our time as a fighting force won’t come to an end.
Whether in a full color tattoo, on a t-shirt, on a Marine’s uniform, on a bumper sticker, or on any of the Marine Corps flags that fly across the globe, the Eagle, Globe, & Anchor is an important symbol of the Marine Corps’ culture and history.
Check out all the Marine Corps Flags and related accessories here:
https://www.gettysburgflag.com/military-flags/marine-corps-flags
Do not forget the latitude lines
. 7 for the 7 seas
I didn’t realize that the rope wrapped around the anchor symbolized how the Marines are set up to provide help and service forever. My cousin told me that her husband is going to enlist next week, and I would like to get them a present. Do you think she would like a pin with this symbol?
I sincerely appreciate the history, patriotism, bravery, accomplishments and and sacrifices of The United States Marine Corps. The eagle, globe and anchor should be understood revered by all. This from a United States Air Force Veteran.
My husband joined in 56 served until 58. He was a very proud Marine. He lived a very bless life for many years. He was station in 57 at Camp LJ in 2024 his blood counts became bad and he became infected by the water supply , The Al V.A was amazing to him. He passed 4-5-21 @ 85. I found his white cloth Marine belt buckle I want to get the emblem fixed to wear on a good chain to wear in his honor and the great memories together. Thanks and God bless
We are so grateful for his service.
Mrs Bellamy,
First and foremost i would like to extend my deepest condolences, Mr Bellamy is a hero. i was reading the history of the marine corps emblem.I also read your touching story and what you would like to do with your husbands emblem. it would be my honor to fix this for you if you have not yet done so mam. plz reach out to I via email thank you sincerely Hector Cervantes
Can anyone tell me the meaning/significance of the small red dot on the anchor tip? I am unable to find any reference to it.
I was so very proud to be a U.S. Marine a great accomplishment of my lifetime those dress blue was to die for those dress blues are the uniform of all time hands down
USMC JEMcAdoo
Semper fidelis is a recruiting slogan … at least that was my experience serving 1987-2005