- The Governor General of Canada
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François Imad Metlej
Gatineau, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Élina Nour-El-Sabah Metlej and Renaud Shawi Metlej
September 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 208
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Blazon
Arms
Azure a Cerberus sejant affronty Or, each head collared chequy Vert and Argent;
Crest
A tower Or masoned Azure charged with an orange blossom leaved, all between two olive branches proper;
Motto
VIRTUS ET HONOS;
Symbolism
Arms
Cerberus is a three-headed dog who, according to Greek mythology, guards the kingdom of Hades. He symbolizes vigilance and defence, and thus Mr. Metlej’s responsibilities during his career as a soldier and police officer. As a terrifying creature from the Underworld, Cerberus also serves as a constant reminder of the need to face one’s fears and a call to courage. Blue and gold are often associated with policing, underscoring Mr. Metlej’s profession. Blue also evokes the Mediterranean and thus his childhood in Lebanon.
Crest
The tower is a defensive structure that refers to the military and police professions not only of Mr. Metlej, but also of several members of his family over several generations. More particularly, it represents the castle of Saint-Gilles in his hometown of Tripoli, Lebanon. Lebanon is also represented here by the orange blossom. The olive branch, a symbol of peace, recalls the trees in his childhood garden.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Courage and honour.”