Great seal of the USA

In 1782, soon after the United States won its independence, the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird of the new country. American leaders wanted the eagle to be a symbol of their country because it is a bird of strength and courage. They chose the bald eagle because it was found all over North America.

Charles Thomson, the first official record keeper of the United States, recommended a design for the Great Seal of the United States on June 20, 1782.

Congress adopted his suggestion that same day. The Great Seal became the official “signature” of the new nation. In 1782, the Great Seal of the United States was used for the first time by President George Washington on an official document. The Great Seal is a stamp of promise that is adhered to each official document.

The bald eagle appears in the centre of the Seal. In one claw is found an olive branch with 13 olives and 13 leaves. In other claw are 13 arrows. The arrows and olive branch represent strength and peace. In the beak is a scroll inscribed with a Latin phrase E pluribus Unum, meaning “out of many, one” which means that out of 13 colonies came one nation.

The national motto “In God We Trust” expresses the country’s ideals. It was adopted in 1956. It also appears on the reverse side of the one-dollar bill.