The Great Seal

The Great Seal of the United States appears on all laws signed by the President. It is also used on treaties, and marks our headquarters in foreign countries.

On the afternoon of July 4th, 1776, a committee was set up to design an official seal for the country. Congress passed a law in 1789 making the design the official "Seal of the United States."

Our seal is filled with special symbols. The eagle is a sign of strength and courage. His shield has a blue bar for Congres and 13 stripes representing the first states. In his beak, the eagle holds a scroll with our national motto, "E Pluribus Unum," which means "One out of many." The eagle holds an olive branch of peace and a bundle of 13 arrows in his talons. This symbolizes a nation that prefers peace but is prepared to defend itself.

On the back of the seal, an unfinished pyramid represents a government that grows. There are also two mottoes in Latin.

Annuit Coeptis means "God has favored this undertaking."

Novus Ordo Seclorum means "A new order of the ages."

You can find the Great Seal on the back of the one-dollar bill.

Dianne Elizabeth's Home	A Call to Arms
King Phillip's War	An UnCivil War	WWI	WWII	Revolutionary War

The Blue & the Grey

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Web Site: Dianne Elizabeth's Family History, Created July 17th, 1999
Page Title: The Great Seal of the United States
Page Created: June 18th, 2001
Revised:
URL: http://www.dianneelizabeth.com/Military/seal.html