Quote Originally Posted by WVHighlander View Post
hkjrb623, I know you my read Cyngus response and feel a bit dubious; however, its very true. I also thought that families had arms....went so far at to purchase my first surname coat of arms items years ago in Georgia for $30..which was a lot back then for a bit of paper. However, those arms belong to one person. Arms are property of an individual that can be passed down to his heirs, and even then only the oldest son (in English, Irish, and Scottish tradition) receive the exact arms after the armiger dies. All the rest of the kids can get the arms matriculated with some difference to show they weren't the oldest.
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My family has only had one coat of arms, and it has only been given to the oldest sons. That is why I'm in possession of it now. I wasn't really aware of it being a more common tradition, I just accepted it as a close family tradition. I learn something everyday.

No offense meant, I just don't understand why this is so important. Passing on the knowledge of your family's heritage seems more important than a piece of paper in my opinion. I didn't pay close enough attention to completely learn mine as most kids do. Now I have to go through the paces to try to chase down the lineage. I should have just listened before some of them passed. Besides if this was used as an identifier in combat, isn't it sort of false advertisement if you're not using it for that?