Symbols and Emblems - Page 2 of 3 - The National Museum of American Diplomacy

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Secretary Albright's Commission

Duplicate of the original appointment commission for Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, dated January 23, 1997 and signed by President Bill Clinton and Acting Secretary of State Peter Tarnoff.

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U.S. Ambassador's Car Flags

These car flags were used on official vehicles carrying the ambassador during Edward Marks’ service as U.S. Ambassador to Guinea-Bissa from 1977-1980.

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Secretary Powell's Commission

Duplicate of the original appointment commission for Secretary of State Colin Powell, dated January 20, 2021, and signed by President George W. Bush and Acting Secretary of State Alan Larson.

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Secretary Rice's Commission

Duplicate of the original appointment commission for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, dated January 26, 2005, and signed by President George W. Bush and Acting Secretary of State Marc Grossman.

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While serving as U.S. Ambassador to Suriname from 1993-1996, Ambassador Roger Gamble successfully advocated for creating and funding a Peace Corps program in the country. The first Peace Corps volunteers arrived in 1995 and made these t-shirts to commemorate their status as "First in Suriname".

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U.S. Embassy Taipei Stamp

From 1949 to 1979, U.S. official diplomatic relations with China were based in Taipei, Formosa (Taiwan). Years after Nixon’s opening with mainland China in 1972, the United States recognized and established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China on January 1, 1979. The U.S.…

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Michael Metrinko's Medal of Valor

Before the Iran hostage crisis began on November 9, 1979, American diplomats in Iran faced the ongoing challenges of serving during the Iranian revolution, which had been unfolding since early 1978. Michael Metrinko, who was the U.S. Consul in Tabriz, Iran faced a chaotic and violent situation in early 1979. Metrinko opted…

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Philip Habib's Presidential Medal of Freedom

Born to parents who immigrated to the United States from Lebanon, Philip C. Habib grew up in New York and joined the Foreign Service in 1949. Habib became a renowned diplomat over his 30+ year career, first for his service and expertise in Southeast Asia — including a prominent role in the…

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Great Seal Hand Press

This hand-operated seal press was used by diplomats to emboss official documents and passports with the Great Seal. The exterior is decorated with a stylized illustration of the U.S. coat of arms, which includes a banner in the eagle’s beak with the Latin motto of the United States, “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out…

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Diplomatic License Plates

The Office of Foreign Missions at the Department of State is mandated to ensure that all diplomatic benefits, privileges, and immunities are properly exercised in accordance with federal laws and international agreements. This mandate includes providing a range of services to the foreign diplomatic community in the United States, including issuance of…