Symbols of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the FBI; the red stripes stand for courage, valor, and strength, while the white ones represent light, cleanliness, and truth. Below the wreath and shield is a scroll bearing the words "Fidelity, Bravery, Integrity". This slogan, which was devised in 1935 by FBI Inspector W.H. Drane Lester, describes the high moral standards and high level of motivation the FBI expects from its staff. It also reflects the Bureau's own initials as a "backronym" of sorts. However, a "Newsweek" article from 2008 credits Edward Allen Tamm, once a top aide to J. Edgar Hoover who regularly briefed President Franklin Roosevelt
Motto each have a badge and motto, as do units of the Royal Air Force. Latin has been very common for mottos, but for nation states their official language is generally chosen. Examples of unusual choices in motto language include: A canting motto is one that contains word play. For example, the motto of the Earl of Onslow is "Festina lente", punningly interpreting "on-slow" (literally "make haste slowly"). Similarly, the motto of the Burgh of Tayport: Te oportet alte ferri – "It is incumbent on you to carry yourself high" – is actually a rather terrible cant on: Tayport at auld