Coats of arms are being crafted in the honor of fallen military personnel by the American National Heritage Center, or ANHC.

Created in 1999 by company founder and current president William Barnson, ANHC began at Fort Carson and moved to Fort Lewis in 2005. The company creates an American coat of arms and family crests, or as ANHC terms it "Grants," for not only family heritage but also for those who paid the ultimate price of war.

"It's based on heritage, and the origin (of ANHC) came from my time at the Pentagon," said Barnson, a retired Army State Guard general. "People will ask about heritage, and it's responded with genealogy, and it bothered me. It was realized that displaying heritage began about one thousand years ago but not in America."

Barnson, who has a 33-year multi-service history, also stated that it was seen as a need to do an American coat of arms. Prior to this, military memorabilia was displayed in shadow boxes. ANHC's process is completely computerized and typically can be completed within 24 hours.

ANHC started with the military but is expanding to other branches of public service (police, firefighters, etc.). Basically, ANHC creates a coat of arms for every branch of the military in addition to ones created for special occasions such as retirements, promotions and award ceremonies. There are several kinds of certificates that are created. Among them are the Heritage, the Commemorative, the JPG and the Special Order.

The Heritage is simply a celebration of an achievement. Included in this certificate is the service branch, rank, specialty field (the soldier's MOS), home state/country, affiliation, years of service, awards and virtues.

The face of the Grant also can display up to seven ribbons. It's reflected from what's displayed on a Class A uniform. On two sides of the Grant is a virtue where you can have an insignia of service placed. The virtues are represented by an animal and typically reflect leadership, pride, humility.

The Commemorative is made for retirements, promotions or any other special occasion. It includes the same features as the Heritage.

The JPG is one that you can create yourself. Just include a downloadable link for your personal certificate that can either be used as a screensaver or printed on such items as T-shirts or mugs.

The Special Order coat of arms can be crafted for just about any need. It is made to exact specifications and can even include a portrait or custom icon.

"At the bottom (of the Grant) is a long string of numbers specific to the icons they choose," said Barnson. So if the service member makes a career out of the military, he or she can call the ANHC and provide the registered number and change the information so it'll stay current throughout the person's career.

The ANHC anticipates expanding the types of Grants provided. Barnson is hopeful that ANHC can display items on stationery, mugs, plates, dishes and even a flag to display your own coat of arms.

"Once fully implemented and cleared through the civilian sector, we'd like to take it to other countries like Canada," said Barnson, adding that this time next year is when a Canadian coat of arms is expected to be offered.

The ANHC also offers the Compassion Warrior Program. The CWP provides a free Heritage Grant to the surviving spouse or other family member in honor of his or her loved one who was lost in a war since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

For additional information or questions, visit www.uscoatofarms.com or call the ANHC at (253) 537-6100.