The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
August 16, 1999
Vol. III, p. 340
Arms of the Canadian War MuseumBlazonArgent masoned and thereon a poppy flower Gules seeded Vert on a chief embattled Gules a key wards to the dexter and downwards Or; SymbolismThe bricked wall with embattlements recalls the fortresses built for defence in Canada. The key refers to the Museum’s curatorial responsibilities including the notion of safe-keeping and the “unlocking” of knowledge. The poppy symbolizes the wartime sacrifices of Canadians and the Museum’s role in preserving their memory. |
CrestBlazonOut of a mural coronet Argent masoned Gules two arms in armour embowed in-wards Argent the hands holding an open book proper bound Gules; SymbolismThe coronet repeats the fortress motif of the shield. The armoured arms and the open book symbolize knowledge, research, and the safe-keeping and storage of historical artefacts. |
MottoBlazonHONORES AD MEMORIAM; SymbolismHONORES AD MEMORIAM is a Latin phrase meaning “Honours for memory”. It emphasizes the Museum’s mandate to honour the memory of those who have served their country in time of war, through its vast collection. |
SupportersBlazonOn either side of a grassy mound Vert thereon poppy flowers and maple leaves Gules and maple seeds Or a winged sea ram per fess dancetty Argent and Gules armed langued unguled and finned Or; SymbolismThe wings on the ram symbolize the Air Force services, the dolphin tails refer to the Navy, and the rams are a reference to the Army services, recalling the emblem of the Canadian Armoured Corps active during the Second World War. The rams further represent the notion of charging ahead without backing down from one’s opponent. These creatures, designed specifically for the Museum, stand on a field of poppies and maple leaves, honouring the fallen Canadian soldiers. |
Flag of the Canadian War MuseumBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of the Canadian War MuseumBlazonPer fess embattled Gules and Argent masoned Gules in chief a key wards to the dexter and downwards Or all within an annulus Gules fimbriated and inscribed with the name of the Museum in English and French and surrounded by maple leaves Or and poppy flowers Gules seeded Vert resting on a scroll inscribed with the Museum Motto and ensigned by a mural coronet Argent masoned Gules; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on July 22, 2000 in Volume 134, page 2264 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Phil White and Charles Maier, Athabaska Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterDebra MacGarvie CalligrapherJudith Bainbridge Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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