FIELD The field of the escutcheon is divided into two main sections by a horizontal partition line. The lower section is divided per saltire (into four parts by diagonal lines) into sections of white and silver tinctures. The upper section, or chief, is divided into subsections of blue, white and red tinctures.
CROSS The fleurette cross placed in the center of the crest is gold. It is the first common elblem under which the men of Western Europe gathered for the crusades. It also represents the faith that has endured and sustained the Acadians from the time of their expulsion and remains a paramount to this present day.
LION The Lion placed to the right of the cross is the oldest and most frequently used of all heraldic beasts. It is the heraldic emblem of England and is a symbol of royal sovereignty. It was used before the fleur-de-lis as the royal symbol in France. Our lion is of amber gold with the stylization of "rampant," which means it stands on one foot with fore paws raised, facing right.
FLEUR-DE-LIS The fleur-de-lis placed to the left of the cross is gold and has the stylized form of a lily. It was the royal badge of King Louis VII in the 12th century and later became the chief emblem of France.
TREE The green oak placed beneath the cross represents the strength of the Acadian families who were uprooted and exiled. Through their deep faith and determination, they were able to endure the hardships of persecution and oppression and like the oak, their roots spread deep and firm.
STAR From the dawn of time, men have believed that life is governed by the stars. The symbolism of the star is threefold: it represents Stella Maris, Our Lady of the Assumption, patroness of the Acadians; it honors the active participation of Acadians in the American Revolutionary War as soldiers under Galvez; and it honors our state star in the flag of the United States. The gold star lies in a field of blue which represents fidelity and steadfastness.
SHAMROCK The shamrock represents the early Celts who migrated from central Europe to the British Isles. It it the national emblem of Ireland and is blazoned on the arms of Irish families. The green shamrock lies in a field of white symbolizing purity, wisdom and joy.
MOON The moon is a favorite motif in Islamic and non-Islamic lands. The Saracen moon represents the early crusades, a series of religious wars waged by the Christians of Europe during the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries. Although the Moslems controlled the Holy Lands since the 7th centuries. Christian pilgrimages were not prohibited until the reign of Al-Hakam, the Mad Caliph," (985-1021). The prestige of the church, which had attained new heights and profound religious fervor, permeated all sections of the population. The white moon lies in a field of red symbolic of eagerness and service to one's fatherland.
RIBBON The ribbon beneath the crest was used to inscribe the battle of cry or motto of a specific entity. The red, white, and blue are colors common to the flags of countries of historical significance to the Landry family: United States, our native land; France, our mother land; and Acadia and Acadiana, the land of our ancestors and descendants.
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