Cass County Composite Squadron

Coat-of-Arms & Heraldry

The official coat-of-arms of the Cass County Composite Squadron consists of a simple heraldic shield with a scroll beneath it, bearing the squadron’s Latin motto, “Per Fidelitas Quod Virtus.”  This describes how we approach obstacles in our day-to-day lives, “With Fidelity and Valor.”

The words upon the shield and scroll are written in argent or white.  White is associated with light, goodness, innocence and purity.  It is considered to be the color of perfection and can represent a successful beginning.  In heraldry, white depicts faith, purity, peace and sincerity.

The shields field is Azure or blue.  Blue is the color of the sky and sea.  It is often associated with depth and stability.  It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.  In heraldry, blue is used to symbolize piety, sincerity, truth, and loyalty.  Note that dark blue or navy represents knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness.

Our squadron’s charge is shown displayed at the center of the shield.  The eagle represents freedom.  The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States of America, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks.  The eagle is also associated with people of noble nature, strength, bravery, and alertness; or one who is high-spirited, ingenious, quick-witted, and judicious; True magnanimity and strength of mind.  Moreover, the displayed wings signify protection.

Tenne or orange adorns our charge and encompasses our shield and scroll.  Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow.  It is associated with joy and sunshine.  Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation.  In heraldry, orange is symbolic of strength, endurance, and worthy ambition.

A blue shield with a white triangle and a red three-bladed propeller covers the eagle’s breast.  The shield is supported solely by the American eagle to denote that Americans should rely on their own virtue.  The white triangle and a red three-bladed propeller, establishes the connection to Civil Air Patrol heritage.  The triangle represents CAP’s home-front service with the Office of Civil Defense in World War II.  The three-bladed propeller represents the three missions of Civil Air Patrol: Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and the CAP Cadet Program.