Arms of Éric van Hollemeersch

Blazon

Per bend Gules and Azure a rope bendwise Or between in chief a scorpion and in base a lymphad oars in action sail unfurled Argent;

Symbolism

The blue and red division symbolizes Mr. van Hollemeersch’s dual French and Canadian nationality. The brownish red paired with the blue represents the marshes of Bruges, in Belgium, where his ancestors once controlled the channels (his surname means “from the entrance to the marshes” in Old Dutch). The rope recalls that this access control linked his family’s history to the textile trade, particularly in hemp, the fibre used to make ship ropes. The white ship evokes the coat of arms of Mr. van Hollemeersch’s native city of Paris, as well as his love of travel, his immigration to Canada and his work in the aeronautical and naval fields. The scorpion symbolizes his ability to survive alone wherever he lives, as this desert creature constantly demonstrates adaptability and strength.