- 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.
The Organization of Military Museums of Canada, Inc.
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
August 10, 1998
Vol. III, p. 265
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Barry wavy Argent and Azure overall a maple leaf Gules on a chief Or within a bordure embattled an orle enclosing a key in fess ward downward all Gules;
Crest
An arm in armour embowed Argent grasping a key ward upward Or;
Supporters
On a grassy mound Vert above barry wavy Argent and Azure dexter a caribou sinister a cougar both Or and winged Bleu-Celeste;
Motto
SERVANDO RESERARE.
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
A sword and cutlass in saltire Or surmounted by a maple leaf Gules issuant therefrom four keys in cross wards outward Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The maple leaf indicates the pan-Canadian scope of the organization. The wavy bands symbolize naval heritage. The crenellations represent fortifications and, by extension, army heritage. They also allude to the museum buildings that house collections and protect and conserve Canadian military artifacts. The key represents the role of military museums in safeguarding their holdings.
Crest
The arm in armour is a symbol of military strength. The key repeats the symbolism of the arms.
Supporters
The caribou and the cougar are Canadian animals, and the addition of wings symbolizes the air force. The base on which they stand represents the land and bodies of water of Canada.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Make accessible in preserving."
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The maple leaf and the keys are taken from the arms. The sword and the cutlass are weapons associated with the army and the navy respectively.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 30, 1999, in Volume 133, page 182 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Jeffrey de Fourestier (Arms and Crest) and Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada (Supporters and Badge), assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Joan Bouwmeester
Calligrapher
Joan Bouwmeester
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Cultural Organization