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Marking the Graves

Military flag holders serve as a quick identifyier of those who www.blog.billiongraves.com for a good introduction to the
served during a particular wartime when walking through a history of the markers and many images of the variety of
hometown cemetary, but they go beyond simply flag holders that exist across the country.
stating “a veteran lies here” to sharing more At left, a brass World War II cemetery marker
information about where they lived, the features the Honorable Discharge symbol
wartime during which they served—whether commonly known as “The Ruptured Duck.”
on the battlefield or not—or died. It is patterned after the patch that was sewn
The American Legion was commissioned in onto service member’s uniforms to identify
1919 as a Veterans Organization to promote volun- those who had been honorably discharged.
teerism and helpfulness. This is the organization that The bird was intended to be the bald eagle, but
most often contributes to honoring the military members some Veterans thought it looked more like a duck. It
with a military flag holder. was facing to the right, the same direction doctors told
Each state determines the materials used to create these patients to face when asked to cough during an examina-
markers, but older flag holders were made of iron. To learn tion for ruptures. All inside-jokes aside, these World War II
more about these markers and the wars identified by them, you gravestone markers are meant to honor those who sacrificed to
can go to the American Legion website (www.legion.org) or visit provide protection for their nation and promote freedom.

The United States Air Force

rom the very first flight dating back to 1903 and the Wright brothers, the sky quickly became a territory to be explored and protected. On
August 1, 1907, the U.S. Army Signal Corps established a small Aeronautical Division to take “charge of all matters pertaining to military
Fballooning, air machines, and all kindred subjects.” As the development of planes and its capabilities grew to be more technically advanced,
focus on military aviation grew by leaps and bounds through the first and second world wars. The United States Air Force became a separate military
service in September 1947 with the implementation of the National Security Act of 1947.

Above, L-R: Special Tactics: the Pararescue
Soldier Story U.S. Air Force PJ pararescue jumper 1/6 scale action figure with equipment
Pararescue became necessary during World War II, and has since

A USAF Pararescue pin depicting the logo and tagline “That Others May Live” selling been a constant part of U.S. military heritage and the Air Force mission.
on eBay for $12-$15 The history of pararescue began in August of 1943, when 21 U.S.

An Air Force Challenge Coin from the 347th Rescue Group (established in 1942) for sale military members bailed out of a disabled C-46 over an uncharted jun-
online for $125. gle near the China-Burma border. From that point on, the Air Force

The Battle Brick U.S. Air Force Pararescue "PJ" OCP made with Genuine LEGO mini- pararescuemen (also known as “PJs”) have brought this specialty to the
figure with custom direct printed OCP camouflage selling for $18.99 on Amazon. forefront when rescuing anyone who has landed in a disaster situation.
The United States Marine Corps

he Marine Corps is the maritime land force service branch of the Armed Forces focused on expeditionary and amphibious operations by
using specially trained personnel manning its own infantry, armor, artillery, aerial, and special operations forces. In 1775, two battalions
Tof Continental Marines were formed in Philadelphia, and while working closely with their sister branch (the U.S. Navy), the Marines
gained a reputation as expert marksmen. The Marines were often threatened with dismantlement until the 1952 Douglas–Mansfield Act gave
Marine Corps Command an equal voice with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Marine Corps Band
In the nation’s capital of Philadelphia, President John Adams
signed an Act of Congress establishing the United States Marine Band
on July 11, 1798. The original “32 drummers and fifers” assisted in
recruiting Marines and entertained residents. The Band became a
Above, L-R: reknowned symbol for the Marine Corp as it accompanied President
Vintage Harmonica by Lincoln to Gettysburg, performed on the White House South Lawn
M. Hohner for the Marine Corps Band, Made in for President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill in the rain, played
Germany No 1896 Key of A, 4” long in original case
under the leadership of John Phillip Sousa, and has toured the world
Original WWII United States Marine Corps Drum as an ambassador organization for the U.S.
Major Mace by Ken Krome with Case selling for $495 at International Military Antiques.com

Civil War Era Military Band Leader Jacket with Epaulets, hat, and ID photo
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