From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
Insignia (the plural of Latin insigne: emblem, symbol) is a symbol or token of personal power, status or office, or of an official body of government or jurisdiction. Insignia are especially used as an emblem of a specific or general authority.
Typical examples of insignia are:
- Other National Emblems
- Shoulder patch, or shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI)
- Military rank and unit markings:
- British Army officer rank insignia
- British Army enlisted rank insignia
- Croatian military ranks insignia
- U.S. Army officer rank insignia
- U.S. Army enlisted rank insignia
- U.S. Navy officer rank insignia
- U.S. Navy enlisted rank insignia
- United States Air Force enlisted rank insignia
- United States Air Force officer rank insignia
- Polish Armed Forces rank insignia
- Nazi Party rank insignia
Official insignia are often protected by law as to allow their use only by people holding a specific office or staff members action on behalf of such a person. Misuse, defacement and destruction of such symbols is considered an offense in many countries.