Cape Verdean Association's seal represents home, abroad

When I was conducting research for the column I wrote about the Cape Verdean American Veterans Association, I came across an interesting article about the origin of the organization's seal. Those of you who have been to the Vets Club know the one I'm talking about: the seal above the front entrance to the hall.
According to the article, the seal was designed in 1946 by John Britto, one of the organization's founding members.
When you see the seal for the first time, you might wonder what it means. At first glance, the different areas of the seal seem to have no relevance to the rest of the design. But to Mr. Britto, together the parts of the seal reflect the military and national heritage of the members of the Cape Verdean American Veterans Association.
The seal adorns all of the organization's stationery, event programs, color guard uniforms, association suit jackets and is found throughout the hall itself.
For those who have never seen the seal, it depicts an eagle holding a shield. All that is seen of the eagle are its head and wings.
In its mouth, the eagle carries a banner bearing the name of the organization. The shield is divided into four sectionsm each with a different design in its center.
In the upper left-hand corner of the shield are three white stars on a blue field across seven alternating red and white stripes. The upper right-hand section contains the letters CVAVA, along with the year, 1946.
Below the letters is a burning lamp that looks as if a genie might escape from it at any moment. And, in the final section, directly across from the lamp and below the stars and stripes, are five castles.
Originally, the seal was set on a red background, although over the years the background has disappeared, leaving the outline of the shield and the eagle as the outer edge.
What does all this mean? Well, the letters — CVAVA — represent the name of the organization, the Cape Verdean American Veterans Association; 1946 was the year it was founded. The stars above the stripes represent the American flag. Below it are five castles; Mr. Britto said they serve as a representation of the Portuguese flag (the Cape Verde Islands were under Portuguese rule until 1975.)
To the right of the castles is the burning lamp of enlightenment, which Mr. Britto included to symbolize the group's mission to teach those who follow the reasons for their existence and heritage.
The eagle with its wings around the shield is meant to signify protection, and represents the members' status as veterans under the protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The seal is placed upon a red background to symbolize the shed blood of fellow veterans and fallen comrades.
Over the years, the seal has been modified. The first thing to go was the red background, as the seal appeared on letterhead and was used as part of uniforms. I've also seen versions of the seal without the eagle's protective wings and the banner in its mouth. But the contents of the seal always seem to remain.
I remember watching my father in his workshop as he made the emblem that sits on the roof of the Vets Hall entrance. He took special care to make sure the details were correct and the design was followed to the letter. I had no idea what the symbols meant and, in fact, had I not stumbled upon the article, I still would have no idea of the thought that went into the seal's design.
I wonder how many of the men and women who have worn the seal on their uniforms knew the seal was meant to represent both the United States and Cape Verde. How many know that the lamp stands as a reminder to teach future generations about their heritage? Do people realize the eagle symbolizes the protection provided by our military men and women around the world?
I think those of us with an interest in our heritage and in our history owe it to future generations to learn what the symbols mean and to pass the information on.
Wouldn't it be great to think that someone in the future will tell the story of his or her grandparent, parent or friend who was a member of a Cape Verdean American organization in New Bedford? We owe it to them, and to ourselves, to make sure they get the story right.
Ann Marie Lopes can be reached at sosabe@comcast.net.

Date of Publication: April 23, 2006 on Page A06

Ann Marie Lopes