As a distinctive imperial sign the eagle holds its wings protectively over the Pannonian countryside (Roman province) in the central region of the Danube and symbolizes the obligation of the Holy Roman Empire to protect those borders of the empire. The emperor Charlemagne chose the eagle as the imperial symbol in the 9th century. Since the 12th century it has represented power and unity as the German coat of arms. The wavy blue chevron represents the Danube River where our ancestors settled along.  Amidst the green fertile farmland which the Danube Swabians made farmable stands the strong fortress of Temeschburg (Timisoara) a symbol of imperial German defense fortifications and military border against the Turks. The fortress is flanked by the half moon, the temporal symbol of Islam representing the Turkish threat which declined in the 17th and 18th centuries. The bright sun rising represents Christ who is honored as the sun of justice and true light, a focal point for the future. The six towers of the fortress represent the six main regions of settlement for the Danube Swabians. Little Alfold (Southwest Hungary), Swabian Turkey, Slavonia-Syrmia, Backa (Batschka), Banat, and Satu-Mare. The coat of arms show the German national colors black, red and gold and the Danube Swabians ethnic colors, green and white. White is the symbol of peace and green represents hope.