SHIELD TALK
My Brothers, I stand before you at this sacred DeMolay altar so that I may explain to you
the symbolism of the beautiful insignia of our Order.
The insignia was designed by the founder of our great Order: Dad Frank S. Land. He
designed it as a pin and symbol that recognises us as DeMolays and their representatives.
Every part of this insignia has a particular significance, and we as DeMolays should know
them by heart.
The CROWN is symbolic of the Crown of Youth and constantly reminds a DeMolay of
his obligations and the seven precepts of this Order: filial love, reverence for sacred things,
courtesy, comradeship, fidelity, cleanness and patriotism.
The TEN PRECIOUS STONES of the crown honour our father, Frank S. Land, and the
nine youths whose ties of friendship drew them together in the formation of the Order of
DeMolay. The Red Rubies honour those who have passed away. The pearls represent
those living members of the original nine. When, as comes to every man, the final
summons for each of this honoured group, a red ruby takes the place of a pearl.
The HELMET is emblematic of chivalry which we as DeMolays display through our
courtesy and respect for womanhood and without which there can be no fineness of
character.
The CRESCENT is a sign of secrecy and constantly reminds DeMolays of their duty
never to reveal the secrets of our Order or to betray the confidence of a friend.
The five-armed WHITE CROSS symbolises the purity of your intentions to always
remember the motto of the Order: No DeMolay shall fail as a citizen, as a leader and as a
man.
The CROSSED SWORDS denote justice, fortitude and mercy. They symbolise the
increasing warfare of DeMolay against arrogance, despotism and intolerance.
The STARS surrounding the crescent are symbolic of hope and should always remind us
of those obligations and duties which one Brother of the Order owes to another.
Be sure to wear this insignia proudly, whether it be on a pin or on a crest. Don't wear it to
any place where you would be ashamed to take your mother, sister or "best girl".
Remember, in all humility, when you wear this emblem, you are representing and speaking
for over three million other DeMolays scattered throughout the world and who cannot, for
the moment, speak for themselves.