CREST OF THE PENNSYLVANIA NATIONAL GUARD   SYMBOLISM OF RAMPANT LION CREST   The crest for the Pennsylvania National Guard portrays a rampant lion with a raised scimitar held in his right paw, and holding the shield of William Penn in his left paw. This emblem was originally devised by Benjamin Franklin in 1748 and was used as part of the flag carried by the Associators. The Associators were a defense force organized by Benjamin Franklin to protect Philadelphia from possible attack by the Spanish during the War of the Spanish Succession. From that military organization the Pennsylvania Army National Guard traces its history. Beneath the lion appears a twisted ribbon colored red and white. This color scheme indicates that the original settlements were primarily of English origin. The wreath is symbolic of a twist of silk worn beneath the crest on helmets. As an insignia the crest is worn by members of the Headquarters, Pennsylvania Army National Guard. The crest is also used on all the colors or standards of Pennsylvania Army National Guard regiments or battalions, and is placed above the head of the United States eagle.