Rainbow Veterans of Canada

The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.

Campbellton, New Brunswick
Grant of a Flag
September 15, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 427

Flag of the Rainbow Veterans of Canada
Flag of the Rainbow Veterans of Canada
 
Flag of the Rainbow Veterans of Canada

Flag of the Rainbow Veterans of Canada

Blazon

Gules on a Canadian pale Argent the Badge of the Rainbow Veterans of Canada (A plate charged with a maple leaf segmented from the nombril point Rose, Gules, Tenné, Or, Vert, Bleu Céleste, Azure and Purpure, within an annulus Or edged and inscribed VETERAN • VÉTÉRANE • VÉTÉRAN and CANADA in letters Sable, the whole ensigned by the Royal Crown proper and environed by a wreath of maple leaves Gules, overall in base a scroll Or inscribed with the Motto in letters Sable);

Symbolism

The design in the style of the National Flag of Canada, the maple leaves and the Royal Crown represent Canada and the Rainbow Veterans’ service to the country. The central maple leaf includes the colours of the original Pride flag, a familiar symbol of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The use of the Royal Crown was authorized by His Majesty The King to recognize the Rainbow Veterans, those members of the Canadian Armed Forces who were victims of the “LGBT Purge” of the 1950s to mid-1990s because of their sexual orientation.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

Since 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Rainbow Veterans of CanadaLetters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Rainbow Veterans of Canada

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Diane Pitre, May-Andrée Bernier and Samy Khalid, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter

D. Robert Tunstall

Calligrapher

Not applicable

Recipient Type

Civil Institution