Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada)

There are several places at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) where heraldic symbols are displayed for all to see, but the flags are strangely invisible on the campus. There are three flagpoles in front of the QE2 library, but I've only ever seen them empty. Mind you St. John's is the windiest city in Canada, and I've heard locals claim the windiest city in the world, so the lifespan of flags might be rather short.

In 1988 I was at a conference at MUN and I think I recall seeing a flag hung indoors that was a banner of arms of the university. However a cruise around the university's website failed to show any hint of it. There is an image on the annual report for 2005 that shows a professor on the summit of Mt. McKinley (Denali) in Alaska, where she is holding a hand-waver sized MUN flag, a claret field with the coat of arms and the words "Memorial" in a large font over "University of Newfoundland" in a smaller font, all in white. Claret and white are the school colours. A similar image can be found at http://today.mun.ca/news.php?news_id=3925.
Rob Raeside, 30 June 2008

The coat of arms is described on the university website as:

The Arms of Memorial University have as their central element a cross, a symbol of sacrifice. Its anchor-shaped ends signify the hope that springs from devotion to a good cause. The wavy bars allude to our maritime setting, and the three books signify our educational role.

White and claret, derived from the Cross of St. George, are the colours of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment: red for courage and sacrifice, and white for purity. Gold is associated with nobility and generosity. The colours remind us that courage tempered with mercy may be enlisted in the service of noble causes. The coat of arms was designed by alumnus Robert Horwood.

Source: http://www.mun.ca/memorial/history/

Rob Raeside, 30 June 2008

From the university policies and procedures on flags:

F-1.1.2 - SCOPE

This policy will apply to the flying of all flags on University property. These will include but not be limited to the Canadian flag, the flag of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Union Jack, the flag of Memorial University of Newfoundland and the flags of various charitable organizations.

See also the Graphic Standards Manual.
Jan Mertens, 29 June 2008