The use of these symbols is evident across many applications in military and civilian realms and even historically. The lightning bolt is a symbol of illumination and the destruction, of ignorance. It has also been noted as a symbol of liberating the soul. The knife signifies sacrifice and liberation, protection and cutting the ties of ignorance. The two together embody Jackson, Chase and now Victor to me. Jackson has grown up knowing he is Autistic and we celebrate that as a family. We try through him to show the world a positive facet of living life on the spectrum while hopefully severing people’s ideas that stem from ignorance and stereotypes. Through his journey and growth with we feel he is illuminating what often isn’t seen; a child with a disability and a service dog thriving. As for the knife, it too holds a strong meaning for us. Cutting ties from therapists who told us this or that wouldn’t be possible for someone on the spectrum, cutting ties of all the nay sayers who just don’t get it; cutting away the negative images that so often having a disability brings. Where it pertains to symbolizing liberation and protection we feel it represents Chase and Victor well.  Chase has given Jackson the confidence to go boldly into the world and get out there and do. Victor is continuing that legacy as Jack transitions into teenage and young adulthood. He is the ever present force that gives Jackson freedom to be himself while being ever vigilant over him. The use of skulls - aside from looking cool - is a representation of the unattainable; immortality. The time has arrived for Chase to retire but this patch represents he has fulfilled his purpose and the turnover to Victor is completed. Chase remains in the background as Victor has taken up role of side by side protector.  Chase's memory will live forever and Victor has begun to forge his legacy.  We hope that when you attached it to your favorite piece of gear or even display on your patch wall that it will inspire  you too, go boldly into the world with a love for life and kindness infused in all you do.