The history of embroidery, especially as an art form, goes back many centuries. In fact, the earliest known examples of embroidery date from the third century B.C. Thousands of years ago embroidery was applied directly to fabrics without the use of modern patches, and was mostly political or religious in nature. Ancient examples of embroidery commonly include animals, celestial objects, and floral motifs. Religious embroidery was heavily influenced by celestial imagery.
Embroidered military patches didn't arrive on the scene until the British Army began using them in the 1800s. Even then, their use was limited to officers. Prior to that, military uniforms were generally void of embroidery with officer ranking being designated through tassels, ornaments, or various types of hats. When embroidery was used on military uniforms it was purely for decoration. A quick review of Revolutionary War-era uniforms reveals a plainness that may surprise you if you've never thought about before.
By the start of the American Civil War, the Union Army had begun employing embroidered patches as a means of designating rank. These patches were sewn on one or both sleeves of the Union officer uniform. The Confederate army followed suit, although limited resources prevented them from having a standard uniform across the entire army. Just like the Union army, the Confederates used embroidered patches mainly for rank designation.
Around the time of World War II, embroidered patches really took off in the U.S. military as a means of designating several different things. Of course, patches were still made for the various ranks, but others were made to designate the branch of service, the division one served in, and even the individual soldier's unit or specialty. Rather than having a single rank patch on the shoulder, the World War II soldier could have as many as half a dozen patches on his uniform signifying various things. The uniform of today's American soldier is very much the same way.
In addition to the patches the government commissioned for military uniforms, private patch makers continue to produce hundreds of different patches dedicated to current and past military personnel. The Cheap Place carries a large supply of military-dedicated patches for all four branches of the military. They have circular emblem patches for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps, all of which feature the various logos from the individual branches. They also carry branch-specific patches for past servicemen and women.
For veterans of specific conflicts like Vietnam, Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq, The Chief Place has patches for them too. Of particular interest to me personally, are the POW/MIA patches that serve as a reminder of those brave soldiers gone into foreign conflict and never returning home. Those soldiers hold a special place in the military history because no one knows of their fate or future. Whether passed on or still alive, it's important to the families of POWs and MIAs that they never be forgotten. Dedicated patches to these soldiers are just one of many ways to honor them.
