Posted on June 20, 2021
This is an update of my post published on June 20, 2010:
This is the original design for the front of the U.S. Great Seal.
It was submitted by Secretary of the Continental Congress,
Charles Thompson, who combined elements from designs
created by three different committees over the course of 6
years!!!
It was submitted by Secretary of the Continental Congress,
Charles Thompson, who combined elements from designs
created by three different committees over the course of 6
years!!!
On this day in 1782, the US Congress adopted the Great Seal, with an eagle (the U.S. emblem), a 13-star crown to represent the country as a new constellation in the galaxy of nations, and (on the back) a 13-tiered pyramid to stand for permanence.
You probably know that the number “13” in the new nation’s symbology represents the 13 original states.
Even the colors are symbols: red stands for hardiness and courage, white stands for purity and innocence, and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Here is the modern version of the Great Seal, front and back:
Design a seal or shield to represent you or your family. What symbols show your special values or traits?
Also on this date:
National Old Time Fiddlers’ Festival
Baseball executive Branch Rickey’s birthday
Anniversary of Macau’s transfer to the People’s Republic of China
Anniversary of an
innovation that led to corrugated cardboard
Anniversary of Elvis being drafted into the army
Electricity theme day
Anniversary of first cantilever bridge over Niagara Falls
Martyrs’ Day in Eritrea
World Refugee Day
Anniversary of West Virginia’s statehood
American Eagle Day
Mermaids on Parade
(Saturday closest to Summer Solstice)
Solstice
Flag Day in Argentina
Father’s Day in the USA
(Third Sunday in June)
Plan ahead:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
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June holidays
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June birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in June
And here are my Pinterest boards for:
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July holidays
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July birthdays
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Historical anniversaries in July