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How many of you have ever closely examined a dollar bill? On the back
side, there is a picture of both sides of the Great Seal of the United
States. Read its description below.
- The Great Seal of the United States of America, adopted in 1782, is the only
government seal in the world having two sides. The face depicts an American
Eagle, representing national sovereignty which is breasted by our national
shield.
- The eagle is holding in its right talon an olive branch of 13 leaves
and thirteen olives symbolizing peace. In the left talon are thirteen
arrows signifying the original colonies' fight for liberty.
- A ribbon held in the eagles beak is inscribed " E pluribus Unum."
or "One out of many." in reference to unity of the thirteen colonies
as one government.
- Over the eagles head is a grouping of 13 stars wreathed in clouds,
again representing the original colonies.
- The pyramid on the reverse side of the Great Seal represents permanence
and strength. Its unfinished condition indicates that the United States
will always grow, build and improve with a continuous evaluation of
Truth.
- The thirteen layers of stone in the pyramid refer to the thirteen
original states and the individual rights of the states. The separate
stones represent local self government.
- The words "Annuit Coeptis (thirteen letters) mean "God has favored
our undertakings." or "enterprise."
- At the bottom are the words "Novus Ordo Seclorum." meaning "New Order
of the Ages."
- At the base of the pyramid is the Roman description of "1776" the
year our country was founded.
- The "Eye of Providence" within a glory of light placed above the pyramid
illustrates the spiritual above the material. It also represents education
and freedom of knowledge.
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