For thousands of years, a palm branch has been a symbol of both victory and the peace it usually brings. The palm symbolized immortality in the ancient Egyptian world, and palm branches were awarded to victorious athletes in the athletic competitions of ancient Greece, and the goddess Nike is often portrayed holding palm fronds. Palm branches were associated with military victory both in ancient Rome; in its province of Judea, they were laid in the streets in anticipation of a Messiah who was expected to lead them to military glory.
The use of palm branches as symbols of victory was picked up by the French and carried on by the Republic of Vietnam. Of the several military awards issued by the Republic of Vietnam that have been authorized fore wear by U.S. servicemembers by the Department of Defense, two of them—the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal—can be awarded with a palm, indicating that the award was issued at the Army level. Note that these are Unit Citations, and must be worn with the appropriate gold frame.
You can purchase these unit citations
here and
here. We also have the gold frames in stock
here.