1st Marine Division Diamondback Certificate

The Diamondback Certificate will fit directly into a 13x19 frame, but honestly it should be in the most obnoxiously large frame possible.  I would recommend buying an 18x24 frame and have matting cut to make a border.  This can be done at almost any frame/art store and it will be significantly cheaper if you buy the frame and matting yourself and ask the nice lady in the matting department to simply cut the matting to fit your certificate and frame. Having a matted edge will allow you space for extra things to be place around the certificate (coins, plaques, patches, military swag, you get it).

Hold Fast Certificates are printed on high gloss micro-porous photo paper using pigment ink to ensure the highest quality image and longest lasting print possible.  As is the case with all inkjet printed images, fading over time can occur if proper care is not given. In order to ensure the longevity of your certificate please do the following:

1. Frame the cert behind glass to prevent fading due to air exposure

2.  Use UV blocking glass

3. Keep away from windows where it will be exposed to direct sunlight. 

We offer remakes instead of refunds. If there are any issues with your certificate that is due to a mistake made on our behalf we will gladly remake your certificate free off charge. If the mistake was made on your end or you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our sales team at hfcsales@theholdfastcollective.com and we will gladly address any issues on a case by case basis. 

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• - The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake: This snake is found on both Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms and like the Desert Tortoise, it possesses the special power to halt all training.

• - The Two Snakes: Represent the two locations of the First Marine Division; Camp Pendleton and 29 Palms.

• - The Ship: 1st Marine Division was activated aboard the battleship USS Texas on February 1st 1941.

• - The Coordinates: Camp Margarita. The first camp established for 1st Marine Division in 1941.

• - The crosses at Horno, San Mateo and the battlefield cross are in remembrance of our fallen brothers.

• - Chesty the bull dogs blowing the eastern winds (Zephyr Eurus).  The eastern winds (blowing westward) represent the direction 1st Marine Division travels for deployments.

• - The Ka-Bar: Adopted by the Marine Corps in 1942, the Ka-bar was the standard issue combat knife for fighting Marines in the pacific theater.

• - The Southern Cross Constellation in the night sky is a part of the Blue Diamond symbol and it was under these stars that the battle of Guadalcanal took place.

• - The major battlefields and landing sites of the First Marine Division are represented along the interior of the certificate.

• - Palm Trees… for 29 Palms and the real palm trees on Pendleton.

• - The Two Swallows: A common bird on Pendleton, was also a traditional tattoo representing experience at sea and in the case that the sailor or marine were to die at sea, it was believed the swallow would carry their soul home. 

• - California Poppy… California’s state flower, but mainly because I needed some filler in the corners.

• - The Setting Sun: Basically what the Hollywood Marines on Pendleton get to see at the end of every day. 

• - The Three Rifles: (M1 Garand, M16, and M4) Represent the last three generations of the Marine Corps. 

• - “No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy”: Coined by General James N. Mattis, the meaning is clear to any who have served with the First Marine Division.

• - Staff Sgt. Reckless: Famous horse from the Korean War.  Known for her actions during the Battle of Outpost Vegas in March of 1953.

• - “The Old Breed”: Nickname given to the 1st Marine Division, the oldest, largest and most decorated division in the United States Marine Corps.

• - Waltzing Matilda: Originally an Australian bush ballad about a swagman, was adopted as the official song of the First Marine Division.

• - The Blue Diamond:  Originally a shoulder patch authorized for wear by Marines and Sailors who served in the Battle for Guadalcanal. The red, white, and blue represent the nations colors and the white stars represent the Southern Cross constellation.

• - General James N. Mattis signed the certificate on November 3rd 2016 aboard the USS Midway during the Blue Diamond Marine Corps Ball.

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