The Cross – The Red Cross triumphant which quarters and dominates the Shield of Honor bears witness to faith and heroic endeavors of the early missionaries and mothers. It speaks of the Christian principles which have always and will ever the deeds and actions from the earlier days down to the present. A city blessed by God and under the special protection of St Landry.

The Medallion – At the center of the cross there id the emblem of St Landry, protector and patron saint of the parish. Tradition claims his unchanging virtue and charity and alms-giving to the poor and needy, hence the basket of bread mounted with the cross of Christian charity.

The Pelican –Ensconced above the sweeping art of the shield of honor and integrity is the mother pelican feeding her young, the symbol of sovereign state of Louisiana. Ancient lore speaks of this fabled bird with deep reverence, believing that she fed her young with her own blood. With this behavior being considered a most praiseworthy act of maternal solicitude and devotion, it is readily understandable why artists down through the ages have used this symbol to denote the portrayal of sovereign authority.

The Seedling –The seedling lifting its head to a azure sky is symbolic of the every promising, ever fruitful agricultural efforts of the Imperial Parish Of St Landry. It is also a tribute to a benign Providence who has endowed the area with fertile land and smiling skies, bringing forth bountiful harvests which are the basic riches of the city.

The Arrowhead –…of the name has several meanings – “black foot”, - “black leg” – or “man with black leg.” These aborigines established the village on a huge mound which legend says was in the vicinity where now stands St Landry Catholic Church. It later formed the nucleus of a French trading post and fort, which was, established as early as 1700.

The Fleur de Lies – The royal lilies of France take prominence on the shield to extol the colonization labors of the French settlers who pioneered the area and left heritage of blood, name and lore. From these proud roots have sprung men in all walks of life who have succeeded in adding further luster and dignity to a brilliant past.

The Column –The lofty white column standing in a field of green symbolizes the gallant, noble and heroic plantation gentry who have bequeathed a magnificent legacy of culture, education and dedication to the arts which is still most prevalent in the attitude of this historic city.

The Motto –The motto is stately Latin on the following banner beneath the shield reads – “Omnia ad Dei Gloriam” – “All Things to the Glory of God.” This noble phrase ably expresses the high ideals and practices which have always colored the endeavors of all legislative and judicial powers who have governed our city. This motto further bears witness to the fact that from the earliest days, this historic city has had spiritual and temporal guidance from leaders of all faiths. Our many beautiful churches and house of worship stand in proud and glowing tribute