The Viceregal Lion
  1. The Governor General of Canada
Heraldry Today

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William Joseph Lawson

Gatineau County, Quebec
Registration of Arms
June 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 267

Arms of William Joseph Lawson

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Blazon

Arms

Argent a saltire, on a chief Sable an estoile between two garbs Or;

Crest

A lion rampant holding a level Sable its plumb Or, all in front of a rising sun Or;

Motto

TRUE;


Symbolism

Arms

The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. White and black along with gold garbs are occasionally found in the arms of families bearing the name of Lawson.

Crest

The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The level and plumb symbolize justice and uprightness, and thus represent BGen. Lawson’s career as a judge advocate general in the Canadian Army. The rising sun is a common feature of the crest of Lawson families of Great Britain.

Motto

This word recalls the importance of truthfulness and sincerity in the judicial process. It also ties in with the level and plumb in the Crest because an accurate reading is said to be “true.”