The meaning behind the USMC Emblem

The globe and anchor emblem of the United States Marine Corps is iconic and easily recognizable. Every detail in the emblem is deliberate, from the rope around the anchor to the positioning of the globe. The eagle on top, already an American icon in and of itself, is symbolic of the Marines' duty to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, as well as the fact that much of the fighting carried out by Marines takes place in the air. In the ribbon coming out of the eagle's mouth you see the motto used by the Marine Corps since 1883, “Semper Fidelis” which means “Always Faithful.” This is often shortened to just Semper Fi. The eagle sits perched on a globe, symbolizing the global reach of the Marine Corps. The globe is positioned to show the Western Hemisphere which is where most of the Marines' early focus was. Finally, there is the anchor behind the globe which is symbolic of the Marine Corps' close ties with United States Navy, even to this day. The anchor is also fouled, meaning it has a rope wrapped around it. The rope itself shows no beginning or end, perpetuating the notion that the Marine Corps is here to stay.