Joining together Quote by James B. Lawrence
““...new discoveries show that American soldiers used the swastika as their symbol early in World War I, and up to 1941, against Germany. The symbol was used by Americans in the French Escadrille Lafayette, by the 45th Infantry Division, and on Boeing P-12 planes. The discoveries are in the growing body of work by the historian Dr. Rex Curry (author of 'Swastika Secrets'). He has previously shown how socialists in the USA originated the modern swastika as overlapping 'S' letters for 'Socialists' joining together in a utopian 'Socialist Society.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Swastika Secrets by Dr. Rex Curry, 2020
American military units used a swastika-like emblem before WWII, showing the symbol’s varied historical meanings.
In simple terms: US troops once used a swastika symbol.
Recognize symbols can have different origins.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- WWI research
- military insignia design
- historical education
- museum curation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we reconcile historical symbols with modern meanings?
- Should symbols be recontextualized?
Modern association with Nazism can obscure earlier uses.