Arms of Victor Anthony Cardozo

Blazon

Gules between two roses slipped and leaved, an East African shield Or charged with four spears bound Gules, on a chief embattled Or a Jerusalem cross between two palm trees Gules;

Symbolism

The colours of the shield have celebratory connotations in Indian society. The rose is a reference to Col. Cardozo’s wife, Rosita. The traditional Kenyan shield indicates the country of Col. Cardozo’s birth. The four spears are indicative of his four children, also born in Kenya. Bound together, these spears are a traditional African way of signifying children. The crenellated chief is a reference to Col. Cardozo’s ancestral heritage in Goa, India, which has many Portuguese fortifications and a tower on its coat of arms. Col. Cardozo’s military career is also indicated by the chief, and his wish to guard and protect what he espouses. The two palm trees represent the two lines of Goan ancestry that have converged in Col. Cardozo’s marriage. The Jerusalem cross makes a reference to his Roman Catholic faith and, more specifically, to his involvement in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.