Insignia and Symbolism of the Pershing Rifles
A. The Chameleon is the symbol of the tri-service aspect of the fraternity. It symbolizes the national society and its members' adaptability to change and constant preparedness.
B. The Helmet is the symbol of the chivalry of the medieval knights. This spirit is the cornerstone of the character of every Pershing Rifleman. It is a prime requisite for conduct, a necessary part of every true heart.
C. The Torse represents the Pershing Rifles active member's cord.
D. The Shield, upon which are the crossed rifles and torch is the symbol of readiness. It is a symbol of the readiness to meet any situation anywhere, on the battlefield or wherever we may be called.
E. The Crossed Rifles are the symbol of power, military strength for the insurance of peace.
F. To meet the demands of leadership, we must have knowledge. The Torch denotes high achievement in scholarship and knowledge.
G. The Scroll bears the name of our fraternity and the year of its founding.
The Cord
The Cord is a symbol of honor bestowed to the Pershing Rifles member upon initiation and is to be worn on the left shoulder. The Cord is purple and white with the tip bearing the Pershing Rifles Crest. The original colors of the Chord were blue and white – the colors of the Society. Legend has it that during World War II along with many other rationed items, blue dye was in short supply. The company that made cords substituted purple for the blue. Following the war and the end of rationing, the cords returned to blue and white for a short period of time. In the wake of the Vietnam War and in honor of sacrifices made in that conflict as they have been during World War II, the cord was once again returned to purple and white and has remained as such since.
The Membership Ribbon
The design of the Membership Ribbon is identical to the Army Good Conduct Medal (except in color), which denotes exemplary conduct at all times. It is worn on the left breast of the uniform. The six white stripes on the membership ribbon, from the wearer’s right to left stand for:
1. Devotion to Duty and Country
2. A Bold and True Heart
3. Readiness to Meet any Situation
4. Leadership
5. Military Proficiency
6. Scholarship
The Pledge Ribbon
The Pledge Ribbon is half blue and half white. It is worn on the left breast of the uniform with the white segment to the left. It serves to remind prospective members of the values portrayed in the colors blue and white.
Symbolism of the White Rose
The official flower of the National Society of Pershing Rifles is the white rose. Traditionally, this flower represents the most important man or family of the era. For the Pershing Rifleman, the white rose symbolizes the great life of our founder and patron, General of the Armies John Joseph Pershing, who made the ideals of the Pershing Rifles a reality.
Colors
The colors of the National Society of Pershing Rifles are Blue and White. These colors have traditional national significance and each represent the cornerstones of the Society and its members.
Blue
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Loyalty
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Devotion
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Friendship
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Truth
White
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Purity
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Cleanliness of Life
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Rectitude of Conduct