What Is the Significance Behind the Presidential Seal?
Rutherford B. Hayes began using a presidential seal in 1880, and it has evolved since that time. In 1945 Harry S. Truman added the stars that encircle the bald eagle on the seal and moved the eagle farther right. Several elements are found on the presidential seal, and each has a meaning.
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Colors
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Charles Thompson, the first secretary of the Continental Congress in 1782, indicated that the colors on the Great Seal of the United States represented the new nation. Blue was used as a symbol of the justice, while white was included as a symbol of purity. Red symbolizes a nation that has the qualities of strength and valor. These colors were then adapted for the presidential seal.
Colonies
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Within the presidential seal, the number 13 is prevalent. For example, 13 red and white stripes serve as the shield for the bald eagle in the center of the seal. Thirteen clouds float above the eagle's head, while 13 white stars linger below the clouds. The consistent use of the number 13 symbolizes the 13 original colonies that became the United States.
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Motto
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Just above the bald eagle's head on the presidential seal is a white banner with the words "E Pluribus Unum" displayed. E Pluribus Unum means "out of many, one," which is the motto of the United States. This originated with the founders, who created a country in which many people work together to form a great nation.
Peace
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In the presidential seal the bald eagle holds an olive branch in his right foot. That olive branch consists of 13 olives and 13 leaves; again representative of the 13 colonies. However, the olive branch symbolizes peace for the nation, as well as a goal for the president to attempt to achieve.
War
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The bald eagle holds 13 arrows in his left foot. Those 13 arrows represent the tools needed for the citizens and the president of the country to defend their land and go to war if needed to protect the nation.
Unity and Government
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While the red stripes on the eagle's shield are representative of the 13 colonies, the blue band on the top of the shield symbolizes the unity between the 13 colonies and the U.S. Congress.
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References
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- Photo Credit Bald Eagle image by Penny Williams from Fotolia.com
