Scottish heraldic flavor

[macwilkin]

I think "mock" is a misinterpretation of my purpose, sir. I am concerned that there are people who will feel that arms are in some way lesser because they have not been granted them by some armorial authority. Indeed, for a time, there was a "heraldry board" here in America which made money off the practice of selling "grants of arms" in the United States. That there was no requirement for such a grant in order to bear arms, nor authority for the board to grand them, was entirely ignored by these unscrupulous people.

The fact is that Heraldry was designed so that people in armor could be distinguished from one another, and identified. America is a nation of Yeomen, and our military goes to great lengths to homogenize its soldiers, so heraldry no longer holds that place in our society. I ask, therefore... does it really matter to Americans if their right to be identified by such a logo is recognized in South Africa?

If you are concerned that some other might bear the same arms as yourself, trademark the device! That action does have legal status within American law.

Of course, if you live in a country which does codify heraldry within the law, by all means, seek a grant of arms from the appropriate authority. But doing so in a country other than that of your residence gets you little except the right to bear those arms in the country which issues the grant.

I strongly disagree that heraldry holds no place in American society, and so would General Washington, as he maintained that the gentle science of heraldry was completely compatible with the American Republic -- and he frequently made use of it. If what you said was true, there would be no American civic arms, no military heraldry, etc.

For example, heraldry is alive & well in the US military:

http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/

American soldiers still bear the trappings of heraldry on Distinctive Unit Insignia to this very day, and is used to teach unit history and pride.

And again, different horses for courses -- it's none of your business if an American citizen registers their arms with overseas heraldic authorities -- your tone in this post is just a wee bit condescending towards those who choose to do so, which is ironic given your statements about a "nation of yeoman". As free citizens, we have a right to associate and/or spend our money in what ever way we choose (provided it is not detrimental to the Republic) -- you may not find it of value, but others may.

And by the way, I would rather see Americans "assume" arms than "usurp" them thanks to the ubiquitous "bucket shops" that peddle "family crests" to unsuspecting individuals.

T.