United States heraldry

Heraldry in the United States of America was first established by European settlers who brought with them the heraldic customs of their respective countries of origin. As the use of coats of arms may be seen as a custom of royals and nobility it has been debated whether the use of arms are reconcilable with American republican traditions. Still several of the "founding fathers" employed arms and a great number of Americans continue to do so.

Usage of arms

The United States central government and the different states do not employ coats of arms, but have chosen to use seals as their official emblems. Nobility is prohibited by the U.S. constitution so there are few noble coats of arms in the country. However private persons including several past presidents employ traditional coats of arms either personal or familiy related. Since there is no official regulation on arms many private individuals have assumed arms.

Distinctive features

The official heraldry of the country is limited to seals, many of which can be described as faintly heraldic. Some exceptions exist such as the seals of Maryland and Massachusetts which are proper coat of arms converted to seal form. Puerto Rico has a coat of arms dating from 1512 instead of a seal.

Regulation

Heraldry, except for the official seals, badges, insignia, decorations and medals of the country and the states, is unprotected. The Army Institute of Heraldry regulates the use of United States military heraldry. [ [http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/ THE INSTITUTE OF HERALDRY Home Page] . Retrieved on November 2, 2006.]

There are however several private organizations working on advancing heraldic traditions in the country. These organisations issue advice on how to design a coat of arms and keep a register of arms. The College of Arms in London will develop devisals of arms for persons of English and Welsh descent and the Court of the Lord Lyon in Scotland will likewise develop devisals for persons of Scottish descent. People of Irish decent have been granted arms from the Chief Herald of Ireland. In states formerly part of the Spanish empire the Spanish Kings of Arms have also granted arms to private persons. The recipients of foreign orders of knighthood where the granting of arms is included have received arms from those authorities.

References

External links

* [http://www.heraldica.org/topics/usa/ United States heraldry on Heraldica.org]
* [http://www.surfpac.navy.mil/html/cnsf_ship_crests_and_images.htm List of US Navy Ships Crests at Surface Force Command]
* [http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/DUI_SSI_COA_page.htm US Army Institute of Heraldry insignia list]
* [http://www.americanheraldry.org American Heraldry Society]
* [http://www.usheraldry.org United States Heraldic Registry]