According to historians, the existence of rosettes dates as far back as the 8th or 9th century. Unlike the rosettes we know today, which are designed to resemble a rose, the first-millennium rosettes are said to have been created to symbolize the moon and planets.

In 1802, Napoleon Bonaparte instituted the use of rosettes as part of the Legion of Honor award. These early rosettes, much larger than the rosettes of today, were attached to the ribbon that displayed the Legion medal and presented to deserving individuals in recognition of outstanding military or civic service.

Around the mid-1800s, rosettes began to be crafted in smaller sizes to be worn on clothing, and became popular for civilian use. Records show that use of rosettes in the U.S. began in 1877, when the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States became the first organization in this country to identify its members by a rosette worn on the lapel. Although the Purple Heart previously bore a rosette, the only U.S. government medal currently issued with a rosette is the Medal of Honor.

The modern uses of rosettes are many. Rosettes may be awarded to individuals or teams as a symbol of victory or excellence. They may be proudly worn to indicate affiliation with an organization or allegiance to a sports team. Often, rosettes are imprinted with a date and the name of the particular organization or event. No matter their specific function, rosettes have a rich history and have become a staple of pride, showmanship and celebration in the United States today.