"Like the presidential seal, Pres Obama had an olive branch in one hand and arrows in the other"

[sheshe2]

5. Some history about the Presidential Seal.

Description and Symbols


The eagle’s right (or dexter) talon clutches an olive branch with 13 olives and 13 leaves to represent peace. The left (or sinister) talon clutches arrows which represent the need sometimes to go to war to protect the nation.

The eagle holds a ribbon bearing the words “E Pluribus Unum,” the motto of the U.S., which means “out of many, one.” The number 13 is used to represent the 13 original colonies.

A shield in front of the eagle has 13 red and white stripes, again representing the colonies, with a blue bar above, representing both the unity of colonies into one nation and Congress, which makes laws for all.

Above the eagle is a “glory Or” or halo of gold. In it are 13 white clouds, 13 white stars and many tiny stars. The 50 stars on a field of deep blue circle the eagle and represent the 50 states. The words, "Seal of the President of the United States" surround the seal on a tan field.

http://www.whitehousegifts.com/history-education/presidential-seal/

Thanks Cha, great thread.