Arms:
Per Pale Sanguine and Argent, a Zinnia ensigned in Chief by four Mullets in Fess enarched all counterchanged
Crest:
From a torse of the colors and issuant out of flames a Bald Eagle displayed Proper
Motto:
SEMPER (Always)
Herald (Designed by):
Sandy Turnbull
Artist:
Terry Sarros
The Story
When I decided that Project2996 needed some sort of logo I wanted something a little more dignified than a standard graphic design. I’ve been a fan of heraldry for many years, and recently have become an student of the field, it seemed a natural fit.
The Zinnia is a flower with a very specific connection to 9/11. Zoe and Dana Falkenberg were two of the youngest victims, and their surviving family has asked that people plant Zinnias (Zoe’s favorite flower) as a remembrance. My ex remembered Zoe, during the very first year of 2,996, and for several years before we moved we planted Zinnias in our front yard to remember Zoe and her little sister, Dana.
The four stars above the zinnia represent the four planes and four crash sites of 9/11. The coloring scheme where the shield is divided into two colors with the charges inverted is called counterchanging, and is used to represent the stark change our country and world went through.
Just read this for the first time and wow–you’re incredible. I don’t have a yard of my own, but I’m going to see if my folks will plant some Zinnias at their house. Thank you again for all that you do!
I already have several zinnias in shades of orange, red, and yellow out in pots on my patio. Next year I’ll plant a whole bed in front of my house in memory of the 9/11 dead.
From now on I will forever plant zinnias in every color …
and I agree with Catherine, you are incredible, let me add tireless, and thoughtful and kind and generous with your time.
Thank you for all that you do.