| The task of creating a
national coat of arms was given to John Adams, Benjamin
Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Both Franklin and
Jefferson had ideas of what they wanted the seal to
depict; however, neither of these were used. One side of
the seal depicts an eagle with a shield that has 13
stripes. In one talon it clutches 13 arrows, a sign of
military might. In the other it holds the olive branch of
peace. While the eagle looks toward peace, he never
forgets that peace can be assured only with strength of
arms. In it's beak, it holds a ribbon that reads E
Pluribus Unum (From many, one). Above the eagle's
head a starry heaven represents the glory breaking
through a cloud. It was the third committee that came up
with the design that you can find on any dollar bill. Compliments of Friends Across America© Copyright 2002. All Rights
Reserved |