Since time immemorial individuals and organizations the world over
have sought to distinguish themselves from others through the use of emblems
that symbolized their ancestry and conveyed their sense of purpose.
In line with this practice, the board of directors of the Puerto
Rican/Hispanic Genealogical Society determined that it needed a
unique insignia that was representative of the ancestral roots of its members
and of its organizational goals and objectives. This task was given over
to board
member Miguel Hernández and
Francisco "Coqui" Baerga, a talented computer
graphics artist. Several other board members also provided helpful suggestions
that resulted in the production of a new "escudo" or coat-of-arms of the
society.
The coat-of-arms is set on a shield representing protection of all who
belong to the PRHGS. The shield is divided by two background colors, red
which is symbolic of the blood spilt by Puerto Ricans in various wars,
and blue, which represents the seas that wash up on the shores of the island
of Puerto Rico. The white Maltese Cross on the shield is the emblem of
monks belonging to La Orden de San Juan Bautista de Jerusalem -- the Order
of St.John the Baptist of Jerusalem, wore on their habits during the crusades.
San Juan Bautista, of course, was the name that Cristóbal Colón
gave to the island when he came upon it in 1493. This religious/military
order evolved into the Caballeros de Malta -- the Knights of Malta. Their
cross was later adopted by Puerto Rico's 65th Infantry Regiment. We remember
their invincible courage by including it here.
In the center of the cross are three figures who represent the ancestral
roots of Puerto Rico. The woman in the center depicts the indigenous Tainos
of Puerto Rico. She is flanked by two men who stand, respectively,
for the
Spanish/ European and African people who later inhabited Puerto
Rico.
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| The motto of the PRGHS is "Seek And You Shall Find" appears below the
shield. It is a quotation from the New Testament, Matthew 7:7 and while
PRHGS is a secular organization, it is an apt reminder that in order to
find one's ancestors, one must work at it. Additionally, attached
to the perimeter of the shield are the national flags of all of the countries,
including the United States, where Hispanic people live and maintain
their culture, language and traditions. Although the PRHGS focus is primarily
on Puerto Rican genealogy, the flags demonstrate that family histories
cross all economic, social and political borders. |
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