- The Governor General of Canada
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Thomas Lawson Gray
Cambridge, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Flag, with differences to Cody Mitchell Elwood Lawson Gray, Kaelie Cecile June Gray, Taylor James Patrick Gray, Renée Olivia Faith Gray, Courtney-Lee Rachelle Gray, Patrick John Michael Gray and Todd Gabriel Joseph Gray
August 20, 2015
Vol. VI, p. 542
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Blazon
Arms
Per fess Gules and Argent a pile throughout counterchanged, overall a griffin segreant Or gorged with a coronet erablé affixed thereto a chain Azure;
Crest
A lion rampant Argent gorged with a coronet erablé Gules and supporting an anchor Or;
Motto
FAITH • PERSEVERANCE • HOPE;
Symbolism
Arms
Red and white are the colours of Canada, referring to Mr. Gray’s nationality. The reversed triangle in the background produces an upward movement, which the horizontal division reinforces, connoting the separation of divine and human worlds. The contrasting colours emphasize love and light (represented in white) in opposition to ignorance and darkness (in red). For Mr. Gray, the griffin’s dual eagle-lion nature, making it at the same time lord of the sky realm and of earthly beasts, represents Jesus Christ as king of heaven and earth. The griffin also characterizes strength and courage, and by extension Christ’s resurrection. The collar and chain, similar to the devices of the unicorn in the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom and Canada, represent Mr. Gray’s Scottish heritage and his support for the monarchy.
Crest
The white lion and gold anchor are from the arms of other Gray families of Scotland. The anchor symbolizes hope and steadfastness. The maple leaf coronet represents Mr. Gray’s attachment to Canada.
Motto
This phrase is inspired by the motto of the chiefs of the Gray clan, “Anchor Fast Anchor”, and, in addition to evoking the arms, echoes Isaiah 40:31, “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles”.