The patch was originally designed for students at Fort Drum - military students attending an institute class taught by Brother Baker. It is full of symbolism to help strengthen and remind them of who they are.
We tell the classes that once a patch is received, it is to be attached to some kind of bag, backpack, or scripture case (not put in a drawer), and students and teachers are invited to take a picture with the patch and send it to Brother Baker. Here are our pictures:
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| We liked the reflected image in the mirror. |
Some symbols to look for on the Patch
Upper left
(Faith): Shield of
Faith; Choose The Right
Upper
Right (Hope): Swords of Truth and Justice; Crossed swords pointing
upwards show the readiness to fight and represents Courage; 6-pointed stars
represent our covenant relationship with God. The swords also make an “X”, the Roman Numeral for “10”
which symbolizes that
nothing is wanting; that the number and order are perfect; that the whole cycle
is complete.
Lower
(Charity): The Flag of Zion or The Church Flag; B.H. Roberts explains the pioneers’ view of The Church Flag as this:
“This Ensign in the minds of the Mormon Pioneers concerned not one nation, but
all nations; not one epoch or age, but all epochs and all ages; not nationality
but humanity; is its scope and concern. It was a sign and ensign of the Empire
of Christ; it was a prophecy of the time to come when the kingdoms of this
world would become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall
reign forever and forever."
The large star (representing Jesus
Christ) is encircled by 12 stars (a
united 12 tribes looking to the Savior). The
color blue is like infinity, like the vastness of the oceans and sky. It
can also stand for Truth (see the lyrics
to the Primary song, “Our Primary Colors”).
An appropriate gift for a Royal Army!
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