Shoulder Sleeve Insignia. Worn from: 29 November 1956 - Current. Virginia was named in 1584 in honor of Queen Elizabeth- of England, popularly called the "Virgin Queen," and was the first state to be colonized by early settlers who were loyal to England. The saltire on the scarlet background refers to colonial heritage and further signifies Virginia's entry into the union as the tenth state. The broken chain and the spear are adapted from the state seal.