A bugle call, such as the one seen here (or at least the music for it), is historically used as a military signal to announce events within the daily routine of a garrison, camp, battlefield, or aboard ships, and relayed commander’s orders when signaling troops. One important aspect of the bugle call is that it consists of only notes from a single overtone series so that it may be played on a bugle (without moving valves). The Romans used a form of bugle call in their Legions and there are records of formalized calls in Hanover by 1758.

Today I am delighted and honored to showcase this bugle call that was commissioned as a gift for me. Its title translated from French to “Raising the Burgoin Banner” is fitting as I am both a military officer and as an armiger who has his own personal heraldic banner.  The document is all hand painted and illuminated on vellum. It illustrates many organizations which are important within my life right now. The Arms of the Priory of Canada, Order of St. John and the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada appear on the right flanking the Badge of the Canadian Forces.  Maple leaves, fleurs-de-lis, and lilies-of-the-valley adorn it as decoration.    On the left you see the heraldic Tyger which is a component of my crest holding up my own Banner of Arms.

What is most important within the whole document is the 4 staves of music that appear in the center that were composed to create the actual bugle call that is uniquely mine.  I am humbled beyond belief to be the custodian of such a document and shall cherish it for all of time.  Indeed, this document is a testament of craftsmanship and talent of the many people coming together to be involved in such a wonderful gift. I wish to share with you the dedication that appears at the bottom of the music.

On the Seventh of June, 2022, in order to observe and celebrate the 40th Birthday of Captain Jason Charles Burgoin, MStJ, CD, KCJ, FSA Scot, and commemorate that what he has achieved in this first four decades of life, this composition is presented. This score of bugle music was composed by Master Corporal Christopher Barletta of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry (Wentworth Regiment) to be used by him and his descendents for time immemorial as they so choose. Artwork by Tania Crossingham from Finland.

A Banner is a square or oblong flag bearing the full arms of its owner, borne by a peer, knights banneret, and that of military commanders. Charles Boutell states “In the olden time, when a Knight had distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry, it was the custom to mark his meritorious conduct by prompt advancement on the very field of battle. In such a case, the point or points of the good Knight’s Pennon were rent off, and thus the ... small Flag was reduced to the square form of the Banner, by which thenceforth he was to be distinguished”