The Great Seal Of The United States

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution
authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of
America. This mission, designed to reflect the Founding Fathers'
beliefs, values, and sovereignty of the new Nation, did not
become a reality until June 20, 1782.

In heraldic devices, such as seals, each element has a specific
meaning. Even colors have specific meanings. The colors red,
white, and blue did not have meanings for the Stars and Stripes
when it was adopted in 1777. However, the colors in the Great
Seal did have specific meanings. Charles Thompson, Secretary of
the Continental Congress, reporting to Congress on the Seal,
stated:

"The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in
the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity
and innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, the color of
the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance,
perseverance & justice."

The obverse front of the Great Seal-which is used 2,000 to 3,000
times a year-authenticates the President's signature on numerous
official documents such as treaty ratifications, international
agreements, appointments of Ambassadors and civil officers, and
communications from the President to heads of foreign
governments.

The design of the obverse of the Seal, which is the U.S. coat of
arms, can be shown on coins, postage stamps, passports, monuments
and flags, and in many other ways. The American public sees both
the obverse and less familiar reverse, which is never used as a
seal, every day when exchanging the $1 dollar bill.

The Great Seal die, counter die, press, and cabinet in which they
are housed, are located in the Exhibit Hall of the Department of
State inside a locked glass enclosure. An officer from the
Department's Presidential Appointments Staff does the actual
sealing of documents after the Secretary of State has
countersigned the President's signature.


The American bald eagle is prominently featured supporting a
shield composed of 13 red and white stripes (pales) representing
the Thirteen Original States with a blue bar (chief) uniting the
shield and representing Congress.

The motto of the United States, E Pluribus Unum (meaning out of
many, one), refers to this union. The olive branch and 13 arrows
grasped by the eagle allude to peace and war, powers solely
vested in the Congress, and the constellation of stars symbolizes
the new Nation taking its place among the sovereign powers.


The pyramid signifies strength and duration: The eye over it and
the motto, Annuit Coeptis (meaning He, [Godj has favored our
undertakings), allude to the many interventions of Providence in
favor of the American cause. The Roman numerals below are the
date of the Declaration of Independence. The words under it,
Novus Ordo Seclorum (meaning a new order of the ages), signify
the beginning of the new American era in 1776.






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