The yellow edged olla (Mexican water flask) bearing the gold hawk's head is the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia of the Iowa Army National Guard which is worn by the band. The heraldic rose on the mace alludes to the Wild Rose, Iowa's State Flower. The wreath of oak leaves and acorns on the throat of the mace represents the oak, the state tree of Iowa. The branch of golden laurel symbolizes growth and achievement. Red, white and blue are the National colors and the colors of the Iowa State flag.