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AMERICAN FLAG - The American flag, a symbol of courage and pride, is generally found marking the grave of a military veteran.  Today the flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, seven red alternating with 6 white. The stripes represent the original 13 colonies, the stars represent the 50 states of the Union. The colors of the flag are symbolic as well: Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innocence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice. 

ANVIL AND HAMMER -  The anvil symbolizes the creation or forging of the universe...In Christian symbolism, the anvil is an attribute of St. Eligius, the patron saint of blacksmiths.

WHITE SHRINE OF JERUSALEM (STAR, CROSS & SHEPHERD'S CROOK) - Symbol of the White Shrine of Jerusalem.  Often seen with the phrase "In Hoc Signo Spes Mea" which translates to "In this Sign (The Cross) is my Hope".  Like the members of the Masonic Lodge and other bodies, members of the White Shrine must profess a belief in a Supreme Being.  However, the White Shrine goes one step further, requiring members to profess a belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the World.

STAR -  The Star represents the Light of the Holy Spirit overpowering death.  It is also interpreted as a guide to the Holy.  Like the four-pointed star, the five-pointed star symbol in Christianity is also known as the Star of Bethlehem and represents Jesus' birth and incarnation. Also known as the Epiphany Star, it is used especially for church decoration during the Advent and Christmas seasons. 

SOLDIER RIDING HORSE (IN BATTLE) - Traditionally, in statuary, when a figure is seen atop a horse in memorial, there are three meanings:

• Two or more feet raised - death in battle
• One leg raised fully off the ground - death from wounds suffered in battle
• Standing square or at rest - death of natural causes

This is typically the accepted formula for any equine statue/carving offered in memory of a deceased.

BABY SHOES (EMPTY) - Empty baby shoes symbolize the loss of a child, usually with one shoe overturned.  The shoes are a poignant image of a baby that conjures up memories of a lost child–those first faltering steps, the first steps to an adulthood that never comes.

IN HOC SIGINO VINCES (MASONIC KNIGHTS TEMPLAR) -  Masonic Knights Templar symbol showing a cross within a crown inside a Maltese cross, which has the Latin phrase, “in hoc signo vinces.” The phrase means “in this sign you shall conquer” and was used by Constantine as a military motto in the early 4th Century. The phrase was also used by the original Knights Templar military order that was founded during the Crusades. The Freemasons began using Templar rituals and symbols in the late 1700s.

SCALLOPED SHELL -  Seashells are an ancient Christian symbol referring to religious pilgrimages and spiritual protection.  Seashells were also used as the symbol of rebirth.  Scallop shell symbolism is associated with the apostle, James. James was the son of Zebedee, a fisherman of Galilee, and brother of John the Evangelist.  He was among the circle of men closest to Jesus, being present with Peter and John at the Transfiguration (KJV Matthew 17:1-5),  and again at the Agony in the Garden (KJV Matthew 26:36-46), where the same three are seen sleeping while Christ prays.

SCROLL -  Most often symbolizes the "Word of God" as well as a symbol of life, time and wisdom. Both ends rolled up indicates a life that is unfolding like a scroll of uncertain length and the past and future are hidden. Often held by a hand representing life being recorded by angels in the "book of life". It can also suggest honor, commemoration and love of the scriptures.

SHRINERS (SCIMITAR & STAR) - Meaning of the Shriner Emblem:  The scimitar (the sword) stands for the backbone of the fraternity, which are its members.  The two claws that make up the crescent represent the Shriners fraternity and its philanthropy.  The sphinx's head stands for the governing body of the Shriners, the head of the organization.  The five points star inside of the crescent represents the thousands of children that the Shriners help through their philanthropy each year.