Few symbols in American military history carry the weight, reverence, and emotional power of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA). Instantly recognizable, the emblem is more than an insignia—it is a promise, a burden, and a lifelong bond shared by all United States Marines. At Parris Island, where countless young men and women have earned the title Marine, the EGA takes on an especially profound meaning.
For those who have never worn the uniform, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor may appear to be just a design. For Marines, it represents identity.It is not issued lightly. Recruits do not wear the EGA until they have been tested physically, mentally, and morally. At Parris Island, the moment a recruit receives the EGA—often at the conclusion of the Crucible—is the moment they stop being a recruit and become a Marine.Tears are common. Silence is reverent. The weight of history settles in.
The modern Marine Corps emblem was officially adopted in 1868, but its elements draw from even deeper roots in American and naval history. Each component was chosen with intention.
The eagle, a symbol long associated with the United States, represents the Marines’ commitment to defend the nation. Facing toward the globe, the eagle signifies vigilance—always watching outward, always ready.At Parris Island, the eagle is a reminder that every Marine’s journey begins with service to country, not self. From the first steps on the famous yellow footprints, recruits are taught that they are part of something far larger than themselves.
The globe represents the Marine Corps’ global mission. Marines are often the first to respond, ready to deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.Parris Island itself reflects this global reach. For generations, recruits from every state—and many walks of life—have come through its gates, united by a shared purpose. The globe reminds Marines that no matter where they serve, they carry the legacy of Parris Island with them.
The anchor signifies the Marine Corps’ deep connection to the United States Navy. Marines have served aboard ships since the Corps’ earliest days, projecting American power from the sea.At Parris Island, surrounded by tidal waters and coastal terrain, this naval heritage is ever-present. The anchor grounds Marines in tradition, reminding them that while missions evolve, the foundation of the Corps remains steady and unbreakable.
Parris Island is not just a training depot—it is sacred ground.Here, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is:
The emblem marks a transformation that families witness during graduation week. Parents arrive to see sons and daughters; they leave having met Marines. The EGA becomes a symbol not just of military service, but of character, discipline, and sacrifice.
For many Marines, the first time they hold the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is also the moment they understand what it means to belong—to a legacy stretching back nearly 250 years.At the Parris Island Museum, visitors can see how this emblem has evolved while its meaning has remained constant. Through artifacts, uniforms, and personal stories, the EGA connects past, present, and future Marines.
The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is not frozen in time—it lives through the Marines who wear it and the institutions that preserve its story.The Parris Island Heritage Foundation is committed to safeguarding this legacy, ensuring that future generations understand not only what the emblem looks like, but what it stands for.Because at Parris Island, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor is not just a symbol.It is a transformation.It is a promise.It is forever.
Semper Fidelis.