gabon emblem postcard

Coat of arms of Gabon. The coat of arms of Gabon was designed by the Swiss heraldist and vexillologist Louis Mühlemann and has been in use since 15 July 1963. The supporters of the symbol are panthers which symbolize the vigilance and courage of the president who protects the nation. The bezants (golden discs) in chief of the shield symbolize the mineral wealth of the country. The ship at the lower part represents Gabon moving towards a brighter future. The okoumé tree at the top of the shield symbolizes the timber trade. The coat of arms is unusual in having two ribbons with mottos in two different languages. The ribbon below the shield has a motto in French 'UNION, TRAVAIL, JUSTICE' ('Union, Work, Justice'). The second ribbon is placed beneath the branches of the okoumé tree and has a motto in Latin 'UNITI PROGREDIEMUR' ('We shall go forward united').