U.S. Coast Guard / U.S. Coast Guard Heraldry / Cutter Seals / USCGC Maria Bray (WLM 562) / Coat of Arms

USCGC Maria Bray (WLM 562)
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Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

SHIELD

Per chevron Azure and Vert a chevronel wavy Argent between in chief a lozenge above two oars blades downwards saltirewise and in base a compass rose Or.


CREST

From a wreath Argent and Azure a ship's wheel between two lighthouses with lanterns lit upon a rocky mount Proper, surmounted at center by a demi-trident Or.


MOTTO

A scroll Argent edged Gules doubled Azure inscribed "WATCH UPON THE WAVES" Azure.


SEAL

The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white disc enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold chain and inscribed "USCGC MARIA BRAY" above and "WLM 562" below in gold

Symbolism

SHIELD

Blue, red and white are the Coast Guard colors. Green refers to Cape Ann and Thacher Island, site of the twin lighthouses and Maria Bray's heroic action. The oars symbolize the life-saving mission of the lighthouses and WLM 562, the USCGC Maria Bray, whose namesake is recalled by the gold lozenge, the heraldic device of women. Navigation and command of coastal waters are referred to by the compass rose. Gold symbolizes excellence.


CREST

The Thacher Island lights are represented by the twin lighthouses. The ship's wheel symbolizes navigation. A principal mission of the USCGC Maria Bray. The demi-trident signifies authority and maritime capabilities; the three tines recall the period of three nights during which Maria Bray tended the lights in her husband's absence, covering the distance between the towers in severe storm conditions with only the aid of her twelve-year-old nephew; gold denotes excellence.





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