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Heraldry Today

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Jonathan Holbert Vance

Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters, with differences to Olivia Nicole Vance, Nora Mahon Wheelehan, Mara Mahon Wheelehan, Julia Mahon Wheelehan and Fiona Mahon Wheelehan
October 20, 2016
Vol. VI, p. 643

Arms of Jonathan Holbert Vance

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Blazon

Arms

Gules a mullet of four points irradiated, the lower point extended, between two bends Argent each charged with a sword Azure;

Crest

A bald eagle wings elevated and addorsed Azure, its head Argent, beaked and membered Or, holding in its dexter claw a rose Gules slipped proper and an olive branch Vert fructed Azure;

Supporters

Two war horses barded proper, their peytrels embossed with four maple leaves one two and one, standing on a grassy mount set with shamrocks proper and three fleurs-de-lis Argent each surmounting two maple leaves stems in saltire Or;

Motto

CARPE DIEM;

Motto

ALWAYS FAITHFUL;


Symbolism

Arms

The swords recall the distinguished military careers of members of the Vance family, including Kerry, General Vance’s wife. The star of four points, also known as the star of Bethlehem, is taken from a heraldic design found by General Vance’s father and symbolizes the faith of the family. Red and white are the colours of Canada.

Crest

The bald eagle is a symbol of strength, vigilance and leadership. Holding a rose, symbolic of love, it also represents General Vance’s wife and her birth country, the United States of America. The olive branch is a feature of the national emblem of Italy, and thus refers to the family’s love of that country.

Supporters

The war horses honour the military careers of the family. The four maple leaves embossed on its armour recall the insignia of a General in the Canadian Armed Forces. The clusters of maple leaves and fleurs-de-lis are taken from the regimental colour of The Royal Canadian Regiment, of which General Vance was a commissioned infantry officer with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions. The shamrocks represent the Irish heritage of the family.

Motto

This phrase Latin phrase means “Seize the day”.

Motto

Not applicable.