Charles Joseph Burgardt was born in East Patchogue, New York. He is the eldest son of Lydia Burgardt, née Cabote, of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science at Stony Brook University graduating in May of 2024, with concentrations in European history and comparative politics and international relations, respectively. He is a now a pursuing a Master of Arts in International Relations at New York University, with an expected graduation in 2026.

Description and symbolism:

The arms are canting, alluding to the Armiger’s nickname “CJ.” It depicts a sea with a parrot, historically known as a popinjay; taken together, these can be read as “sea-jay”. The quills are symbolic of academic pursuits, the pair referring to the Armiger’s double major.

The crest is a seven-pointed half-sun, reflecting the Armiger’s Philippine heritage, inspired by the use of a sun in the Philippine coat of arms. The number of rays is partially an aesthetic choice; the seven rays also represent each day of the week, and in turn the Armiger’s personal belief that each day is an opportunity to live life to the fullest.

The combination of blue and white reinforce the nautical theme of the design, with the blue representing waves and water in general, and the white representing the the color waves take on as they crest or crash onto the shore. White and red are the colors of the Armiger’s university. The gold of the sun is in keeping with usual heraldic practice.

The motto captures the Armiger’s approach to view things as pragmatically as possible in life, taking into account his own limitations and avoiding overestimating his abilities.

Blazon: Shield: Argent between two feathers Gules a popinjay with dexter foot raised Azure, membered, beaked, and collared Gules, in base two bars wavy Azure.

Crest: A demi-sun of seven rays issuant Or.

Motto: Cogita intra fines (“Think within limits”).

Assumed/granting authority: Assumed, September 8, 2023. Recorded, New England Historic Genealogical Society, January 16, 2024. Registered, Registro Internacional de Armas Gentilicias, February 12, 2024. Registered, Philippine Armorial, March 14, 2024.

Image and information submitted by the Armiger.