Arms of Georges-Philias Vanier
Arms of Georges-Philias Vanier
Blazon
Or on a chevron paly of eight Azure and Gules two swords points in chief Or, in chief an oak tree couped proper between a fleur-de-lis Azure and a trefoil Vert and in base the gate of the Citadelle of Québec flying thereon the flag of the Governor General of Canada proper;
Symbolism
The fleur-de-lis and the shamrock represent Major-General Vanier’s French and Irish ancestry through his father and mother respectively. The oak tree alludes to the one at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal where an apparition of the Virgin Mary was recorded. It thus refers to Major-General Vanier’s Catholic faith. Blue and red are the colours of the Royal 22e Régiment, in which he served as commanding officer. The Dalhousie Gate of the Citadelle, in the City of Québec, an official residence of the governor general of Canada and the headquarters of the Royal 22e Régiment, refers to Major-General Vanier’s service as Governor General and to his association with the regiment.
Crest of Georges-Philias Vanier
Blazon
The steeple of the Church of St. Catherine at Honfleur in France Or;
Symbolism
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The Church of St. Catherine is a notable structure in Honfleur, France, the birthplace of Guillaume Vanier, Major-General Vanier’s first ancestor in New France. It might also allude to his Christian faith and to his love for France, where he served as Canada’s first ambassador.
Motto of Georges-Philias Vanier
Blazon
FIAT VOLUNTAS DEI;
Symbolism
This Latin phrase means “God’s will be done.”
