Great Seal of the United States talon (referring to the 13 original states), and an olive branch in its right talon, together symbolizing that the United States has "a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war." (see Olive Branch Petition). Although not specified by law, the olive branch is usually depicted with 13 leaves and 13 olives, again representing the 13 original states. The eagle has its head turned towards the olive branch, on its right side, said to symbolize a preference for peace. In its beak, the eagle clutches a scroll with the motto "E pluribus unum" ("Out of Many, One").
Great Seal of the United States [[File:National seal.JPG|thumb|The reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States, as seen in [[Freedom Plaza]].]] At the [[Freedom Plaza]] in [[Northwest, Washington, D.C.|Northwest Washington, D.C.]], there is a monument to the Great Seal of the United States. This includes a plaque of the seal, followed by an inscription that reads: In 1776 the continental congress adopted a resolution calling for the creation of a seal for the new nation. In June 1782 the United States Congress approved a design which was manufactured in September of that year. In early 1881 the Department of State selected a new design