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New York Military Academy Archives |
An
Online Archives Exhibit
Symbols of New York Military Academy: Past & Present
Our school symbols are important reminders of who we are and what we represent, whether it is the battalion crest in its various iterations, the words to our alma mater ("Where the noble, flowing Hudson cleaves the hills in two ...") or the school motto reminding us that we are "always ready." Using images scanned from the holdings of the Academy Archives, this online exhibit is a brief history of some of the symbols that have represented New York Military Academy since its founding in 1889.
NYMA coat of arms, 1897 |
The earliest version of the school crest, or coat of arms, that has come to light in the archives appeared on the cover of the 1897-98 school catalogue. The shield incorporates elements of both the New York State coat of arms and the Great Seal of the United States. The left side of the escutcheon, or shield, depicts a New York landscape with ships on a river, a mountain and a rising sun, while the stars in the blue field and the red and white stripes represent the United States. The crossed rifles behind the crest denotes that New York Military Academy is a military institution. The olive branches around the shield represent the protecting loyalty of the graduates of the academy to their alma mater. |
| Over the years, the original design of the crest appeared in various versions. Here is one example from about 1912 when it was embossed in gold on school stationery. |
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By 1913, the American bald eagle perched on a wreath had become part of the NYMA coat of arms. In his beak, he holds a ribbon with the school's motto, "Toujours Prêt," ("Always Ready"). At about the same time, the name of the school first appeared on a scroll at the bottom. By the time the 1920's rolled around, some versions of the crest used in school publications and on official stationery had become extremely elaborate as this example with American and Corps flags flanking the shield illustrates. |
| The school crest, or coat of arms, that is familiar to recent generations of NYMA cadets and alumni was officially adopted by the Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on January 20, 1930. Less elaborate than the original coat of arms, the most striking change to notice is that the two elements of the shield have been reversed: the rising sun from the New York State coat of arms is now on the right instead of the left side. For years, this design was used as the official symbol of New York Military Academy, appearing on school publications, program covers, stationery, in advertisements and as the battalion crest worn by cadets on their uniforms. Colorized versions of this crest were also produced. |
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The contemporary look and feel of the current New York Military Academy logo, which incorporates the traditional school crest, was designed in 2004 by the Maveric Interactive team as the key element of the NYMA brand imagery created for use on school stationery, in programs and publications, in advertising and on the school's website. |
NYMA athletic monogram
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This monogram became the official insignia of the Athletic Association of the New York Military Academy at least as far back as 1913 when it appeared in the school yearbook for that year, and "may be worn," it was stated, "by those cadets to whom it is properly awarded, upon sweaters, mackinaws or sleeveless jerseys at any time." Versions of this monogram have been in use ever since. For several years in the 1960's and 1970's, it was worn on the cadet uniform as a brass collar device. |
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