June 20 in American History

June 20, 1782 — the Great Seal of the United States is adopted

Congress approved the Great Seal — the bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, above the motto "E Pluribus Unum," out of many, one. Six years in the making, it distilled the new nation's self-image into a single emblem: peaceful but ready, and above all, unified out of diversity. It still seals the nation's most solemn documents.

Common Questions About June 20

What happened on June 20 in American history?

In 1782: the Great Seal of the United States is adopted. Congress approved the Great Seal — the bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, above the motto "E Pluribus Unum," out of many, one.

Why is June 20 significant?

Congress approved the Great Seal — the bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, above the motto "E Pluribus Unum," out of many, one. Six years in the making, it distilled the new nation's self-image into a single emblem: peaceful but ready, and above all, unified out of diversity. It still seals the nation's most solemn documents.

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Juneteenththe Constitution is ratified