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Symbols

The Distinctive Unit Insignia (Unit Patch)

Unit Patch decorated with symbol of the star and cross in the colors blue and gold

Revisiting its historic roots in the Fightin’ Irish Battalion. This unit patch, featuring the University of Notre Dame’s crest, contains the signature features of the original unit patch. The University’s crest was approved as the Battalion’s Unit Patch beginning in the 1951, the year Army ROTC was formally established at the University of Notre Dame.  It remained the official insignia of the unit until 1976. This design consist of a light blue crest with a white star in the upper left portion (the “Star of Mary”), a gold cross in the center, and a white open book outlined in gold containing the Latin words, “Vita, Dulcedo, Spes”. These words translate to “Our Life, our Sweetness, our Hope” and represent the traditional Catholic prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, patroness and namesake of the University of Notre Dame. The two white waves at the bottom of the crest symbolize the two lakes located on Notre Dame’s campus, which are also represented in the University’s official name, the University of Notre Dame du Lac. The words, “FIGHTIN’ IRISH” are inscribed in gold in a tab directly above the crest, serving as a proud reminder of the spirit of Notre Dame.

Distinctive Institutional Shoulder Loop Insignia

The Shamrock Distinguished Unit Insignia is a green three leaf shamrock outlined in gold

A kelly green shamrock one inch in height with a 1/32 inch gold edge.

Symbolism

The shamrock is a clover like plant with leaflets in a groups of three.  It is accepted as the national emblem of Ireland from its legendary use by St. Patrick to typify the Trinity. 
The shamrock was an integral part of the original green and gold flag presented by the citizens of New York to the 63rd New York State Volunteers, Irish Brigade, a Civil War unit.  This flag, showing a wreath of shamrocks two feet long beneath a harp and cloud is in the Museum at the University of Notre Dame and is nearly identical to the 69th New York State Volunteers flag pictured here.  Both the 63rd and 69th Regiments formed part of the Irish Brigade.  Even today, the New York Army National Guard has unit's whose heritage dates back to the Irish Brigade when the war cry "vaugh a ballaugh" meaning "clear the way"   was heard on some of history's most famous battlefields.  Notre Dame Army ROTC is proud to carry on that lineage.  

Irish Brigade Flag is a green flag with a red banner at the top and bottom of the flag. In the center is a golden harp

Background

The shamrock is an insignia worn by all Army ROTC personnel at the University of Notre Dame.  The shamrock was authorized for wear by the Institute of Heraldry, Department of the Army (July, 1968) Washington, D.C.