- 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.
Allan Burnell Bird
Manotick, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
March 20, 2009
Vol. V, p. 431
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Blazon
Arms
Gules a sea-griffin Or holding between its claws a star Argent, all within a tressure palisado Or;
Crest
A vol Sable, overall a star Argent;
Motto
FIDELITAS INDUBITABILIS • FORTITUDO SINGULARIS;
Symbolism
Arms
The sea-griffin combines several references to Mr. Bird’s work and interests. In its role as a guardian, a griffin (or, more specifically, a hippogriff) has an association with security and intelligence work, and therefore represents Mr. Bird’s career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). The wings of the griffin refer to his love of flying, and the fishtail to his interest in scuba diving. The palisado tressure, inspired by the CSIS badge, gives the idea of a fence and therefore of protection. The eight-pointed star is another symbol associated with intelligence services.
Crest
The wings make reference to the name Bird, and the star is a symbol used by intelligence agencies.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Unquestionable loyalty, uncommon valour”.