Greetings Clan Members
It is the beginning of a new year; 2012 has strong meaning and symbolism as descendants of our founding Canadian immigrant. Only so much is known about Thomas Wallace, certainly not as much as we would like; however, we do know he was Patriarch (and de facto Clan Chief) Howard’s grandfather’s grandfather; and tentatively hailed from Sligo, Ireland where he joined an Enniskillen based regiment in service of the crown. At the turn of two centuries ago, Britain had stood alone against France under Napoleon and his consolidation of power over much of Europe. Thomas Wallace served in the expeditionary force under Wellesley -later Viscount Wellington of Talavera- alongside Spanish forces in the Iberian Peninsula War (an uprising Napoleon caused by usurping the Spanish throne in favour of his brother Joseph). With Spain and England against him, it was the beginning of the end for the Little Emperor. Thomas Wallace was there.
By the time of his arrival in the New World to fight in the War of 1812, Thomas Wallace was Cook’s Corporal and assigned to the commissariat that fed the 27th Foot, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (now called The Royal Irish Regiment). His position meant he ate every day, a situation that no doubt enhanced his survival. The war’s successful outcome ensured Canada remained under British rule. Thomas Wallace was there for that too.
After his contribution to these two great campaigns –historically relevant victories on two continents- Thomas Wallace chose to remain in Canada at hostilities end, taking up farming in a place then named Oshawa Village. From these beginnings various branches of Wallace have continued to thrive in the new land. Note: You may read more about his offspring and others in Patriarch (and de facto Chief of our clan) Howard Wallace’s treatise on the subject Erin O’Neils.
Today our families continue to increase while living in a strong and free country. We have relatives all over North America directly descended from our original ancestor. Ours is very much a story in-lockstep with the right side of history and the settlement of the new world.
Chieftain Stephen Wallace is now Herald Chancellor of Canada through his service as Secretary to the Governor General. Whereas during France’s rule, French Kings granted arms to notable families in the New World; likewise, under the British dominion, granting of arms continued through the College of Arms in England; but since 1988 Canada has had a Chief Herald tasked with the right to award arms to Canadians. This presents an opportunity to celebrate our family history alongside the 200th anniversary of one of the penultimate moments in our country’s nascent struggle for autonomy from North- American hegemonists; and hence to infuse our family tradition with suitable symbolism for generations to come. It is time to honour what Thomas Wallace started.
Our Chieftain has asked that we participate in formulating a uniquely Canadian Coat of Arms to be used by our clan and bequeathed to your offspring forever. You will want them to know that you were part of this experience in whichever way you contribute. The year 2012 will be remembered as a waypost in our family history. Our good fortune is enhanced by a collective gratitude to all of you for your sophisticated minds at the ready to take on this honourable task. Thomas would be proud as there is no Wallace surnames currently granted Canadian arms from what I can tell: we would be the first.
Chieftain Stephen’s Heralds stand at the ready to advise us on the process. One suggestion his Chief Herald made was that we spend less time on symbols and try to focus instead on something that speaks to the essence of us as a clan.
For example, Thomas Wallace signed his Last Will and Testament with a mark; however, the ensuing two centuries have seen our clan highly value higher education and service to others. The Latin phrase docendo discimus -teach in order to learn- might suit such an essential description of our clan culture. We can bend and shape the motto to our particular needs as we like. Therefore, we could rewrite the phrase to Com Spiritus Nos Docendo Discimus – with sprit we teach in order to learn- to add the word spirit Patriarch (and de facto Chief) Howard suggests be included somehow. The more profound our discussions the better the results will be. By embracing some of our past, assessing our current values, and especially keeping an eye to our future we will proudly engage everyone in a process befitting this anniversary year.
Symbols can represent the many facets of our clan’s ancestry, present times and future aspirations. Patriarch (and de facto Chief) Howard suggests including the Brown Bess, for example, befitting the founders involvement in the War of 1812. It’s the musket used during that time by British regulars. A nod to our Norman ancestors and the French surname of our matriarch is a possibility; honouring our Irish roots in some way another. The possibilities are endless: this is the time to shoot for the stars.
One other small point is that we can disperse our selections among three Heraldic devices: arms, flag and badge. So if perhaps a particularly relevant and telling symbol is not deemed to make the cut for the actual coat of arms, it may be included in the flag or badge. This affords us a safety net as we cull our choices over the process.
Here are some links necessary to help get you started:
http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=81
http://archive.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/main.asp?lang=e
https://www.facebook.com/HeraldryHeraldique
The first is to the general Governor General site where you will find interesting background on the Canadian Heraldry Authority; the second is a direct link to the alphabetical index of Canadian arms awarded by Canadian Heraldry; lastly is the Canadian Heraldic Authority Facebook page, interesting and perhaps enough to aid in keeping this process in mind as we proceed with our timetable.
Timetable:
We shall follow the seasons: spring equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox, winter solstice.
By the Spring Equinox:
-Conceptualisation of symbols, essences of the clan analysed, and motto are all pondered accordingly. We may include anything and discuss our choices openly or as we wish. Chancellor Stephen’s words:
“A coat of arms reflects our strengths and our identity. It speaks to our higher purpose. It is a call to our future generations. We should build it together. It can encompass the symbols of our past; the interweaving of many families; the values that we hold dear; the images of a new land. We can and should be bold. Words matter in our clan, so we will need a motto or a war-cry to capture our spirit. We should aim to pool our ideas by the first day of spring. Be specific as you want about details of shield, mantle, crest and supporters. Or share your thoughts about colors, ideas, images and animals that will be a permanent part of our family. Artists of the heraldic authority will then work with us over the following months to design a coat of arms, emblems and badges that will be unveiled by next Christmas.”
An ongoing email thread will develop where everyone is encouraged to contribute; however you may seek to influence others as you wish, enlisting allies and compromising for one design feature or another. All clan members and septs are included in the vote; hence, that means everyone: all who come under the protection of the Chief.
By the Summer Solstice:
Final pairing down of symbols, essences and motto by vote; discussion will continue about merits of each selection. Flag and badge entities to be used as possible compromise entities. Heralds provide insight to the process as we go.
By the Autumn Equinox:
Heraldic Authority revisions and approval finished dependent on Herald guidance.
By thereupon or thereabouts of the Winter Solstice:
The completed arm, flag and badge is presented.
Think of what it will feel like once this anniversary project is completed. Imagine the savage nobility of our clan ancestry, the honour among our combined families, and the legacy of spirit we pass on to our descendants: these are all reasons to engage in this opportunity. Your personal satisfaction will be longed remembered, to the end of your days even.
Thomas Wallace would be proud.
Auld Land Syne
Recent Comments