- The Governor General of Canada
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.
Éric van Hollemeersch
Montréal, Quebec
Grant of Arms, with differences to Théodore William Éric Mercier
January 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 248
[ previous page ]
Blazon
Arms
Per bend Gules and Azure a rope bendwise Or between in chief a scorpion and in base a lymphad oars in action sail unfurled Argent;
Crest
A rooster proper within a fortress gate Argent;
Motto
DOLAARD MAAR NIET OP DE DOOL;
Symbolism
Arms
The blue and red division symbolizes Mr. van Hollemeersch’s dual French and Canadian nationality. The brownish red paired with the blue represents the marshes of Bruges, in Belgium, where his ancestors once controlled the channels (his surname means “from the entrance to the marshes” in Old Dutch). The rope recalls that this access control linked his family’s history to the textile trade, particularly in hemp, the fibre used to make ship ropes. The white ship evokes the coat of arms of Mr. van Hollemeersch’s native city of Paris, as well as his love of travel, his immigration to Canada and his work in the aeronautical and naval fields. The scorpion symbolizes his ability to survive alone wherever he lives, as this desert creature constantly demonstrates adaptability and strength.
Crest
The rooster is an emblem of France and thus alludes to Mr. van Hollemeersch’s French identity. For him, the rooster also symbolizes freedom because of its boldness and bravado. The wall of masonry alludes to walled cities and his keen interest in such historic sites, which have withstood wars. The wall thus serves as a metaphor for his own resilience.
Motto
This Old Dutch phrase means “A wanderer but not lost.”