- The Governor General of Canada
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Brian James Jerome Cole
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
January 15, 2021
Vol. VII, p. 329
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Vert a sword point in base Argent, its pommel and guard set with four bezants, surmounted by a star of life Or charged with a rod of Aesculapius Vert its serpent Argent, on a chief enarched Argent a pallet between two pallets wavy Azure;
Crest
A Yorkshire terrier statant erect guardant on a mount of coal proper and supporting a rod of Aesculapius Argent its serpent Vert;
Motto
LIVE AS A SERVANT-LEADER;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A demi-eagle wings elevated and addorsed Sable holding in its beak a sword point in chief Argent, its pommel and guard set with four bezants, its blade entwined about by a serpent Vert, all issuant from a palisado crown Or;
Symbolism
Arms
Green, as the colour of health, represents Mr. Cole’s leadership in the Ontario Council of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. The sword is symbolic of sacrifice and mercy, ideals demonstrated by Mr. Cole through his life of service. Its four gold roundels allude to Mr. Cole’s wife and three children. The star of life symbolizes his training as a health services administrator, registered nurse, and certified paramedic. The wavy blue stripes, evocative of waterfalls, symbolize his birthplace of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and his later residences in its environs. The arched line also appears in the arms of the City of Niagara Falls.
Crest
The black rocks—lumps of coal—are a canting reference to Mr. Cole’s surname. The Yorkshire Terrier refers to the pets which have brought joy to Mr. Cole, his wife, and his family. Because Yorkshire terriers once worked in coal mines to control rodents, it also alludes by metonymy to the name Cole. The staff and snake is a symbol of healing, alluding to the work of Mr. Cole in the health sector.
Motto
This motto affirms Mr. Cole’s approach to leadership, placing service above self.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The crown in the form of a palisade symbolizes protection, and thus evokes Mr. Cole’s interest in the history of the Hospitaller Order as protector of the sick and injured. The black eagle evokes his German ancestry. The sword and snake allude to military medical units with which he served as a civilian instructor.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 27, 2021, in Volume 155, page 1321 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert S. Bengry
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Individual