Arms of Matthew O'Brien
Arms of Matthew O'Brien
Blazon
Vert a dove wings displayed Argent environed by an ouroboros Argent spotted Sable;
Symbolism
Green represents Mr. O’Brien’s love of outdoor activities, as well as olive groves in Italy, his mother’s native country. It also alludes to the colour of the army uniform he wore when he was a cadet. The dove and the serpent illustrate the biblical verse Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” The circle formed by the serpent alludes to the initial of his surname. The serpent also echoes the encircling chain on the arms of Hamilton, Ontario, Mr. O’Brien’s birthplace.
Crest of Matthew O'Brien
Blazon
A raven wings displayed Sable, beaked, membered and charged with a pheon Or;
Symbolism
Known for its cleverness, the raven embodies intelligence. The pheon—a heraldic arrowhead—symbolizes weaponry. Together, they represent Mr. O’Brien as a military intelligence officer. The use of birds in both the Arms and the Crest highlights his background in the Air Cadets and his work in the Royal Canadian Air Force. The pheon also marks his enjoyment of hunting and target shooting.
Motto de Matthew O'Brien
Blazon
VERITAS • LIBERTAS • AMBITIO;
Symbolism
This Latin phrase means “Truth, freedom, ambition.”
