- 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.
Rainbow Veterans of Canada
Embrun, Ontario
Grant of a Badge
December 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 241
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
A plate charged with a maple leaf segmented from the nombril point Rose, Gules, Tenné, Or, Vert, Bleu Céleste, Azure and Purpure, within an annulus Or edged and inscribed VETERAN • VÉTÉRANE • VÉTÉRAN and CANADA in letters Sable, the whole ensigned by the Royal Crown proper and environed by a wreath of maple leaves Gules, in base a scroll Or inscribed with the Motto in letters Sable;
Motto
SERVE WITH PRIDE • SERVIR AVEC FIERTÉ;
Symbolism
Badge
The maple leaves and Royal Crown represent Canada and the Rainbow Veterans’ service to the country. The multicolour design of the leaf includes the eight colours of the original Pride flag, a familiar symbol of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The Royal Crown has been authorized by His Majesty The King to recognize the Rainbow Veterans, those members of the Canadian Armed Forces who were victims of the “LGBT Purge” of the 1950s to mid-1990s because of their sexual orientation, as well as other 2SLGBTQI+ veterans of the Forces.
Motto
These phrases in English and French highlight the contributions of the Rainbow Veterans as well as their pride in being members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Diane Pitre and May-Andrée Bernier, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
D. Robert Tunstall
Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard
Recipient Information
Civil Institution