True Meaning of the U.S. Great Seal
I recently received my June/July copy of “Imprimis,” a publication of Hillsdale College. As I read Christopher Flannery’s article, “How to Think About the American Revolution,” (June/July 2026, Volume 55,Number 6/7),It dawned on me: I really didn’t recall the symbolism embedded within our Great Seal. I thought there may be others out there who are in the same boat as me, metaphorically speaking. It is to this end I am writing a short essay and providing a link to Mr. Flannery’s article so that you may gain a new appreciation of our Founder’s intent in creating the Great Seal of the United States. Take a look at the back of a one dollar bill to see both sides of our Great Seal.
As we approach July 4, 2026, America is focused on remembering our founding 250 years ago with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On the same day, July 4, 1776, a committee was appointed to design a Great Seal for the United States of America. The three original members included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. They were tasked with proposing a Great Seal which would embody the ideals and promise of this new country.
Looking back, I think those fellows sure had a lot on their plates. in addition to accepting responsibility for the “heraldry project” that would become the Great Seal these men also took on the following:
· Envision a new country unlike any that existed before based upon individual freedoms. At the time these patriots created a “New World Order.”
· Select and organize a group of 18th century “Type A” personalities from the 13 colonies and gain their commitment to risk life and property giving life to this vision.
· In pursuit of this vision be willing to wage war against the British who possessed the most powerful military of the day.
Remember, all the above was done without the internet, a Zoom call, email, copy machines, or Doc-U-Sign. It is no wonder that the design of the Great Seal took two more committees and was not finalized and approved until June 20th, 1782.
I hope you gain a new appreciation of the monumental struggle our Founders faced and their reliance on Divine guidance to forge the United States. Please click on the link below to read the entire article:ow to Think About the American Revolution
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