06/16/2026
June 20 is our celebration: American Eagle Day and Community Day. We hope you can join us. You may wonder what is American Eagle Day? American Eagle Day honors the Bald Eagle as the national symbol of the United States and raises awareness about its conservation and protection.
But why is it celebrated on June 20? The Great Seal of the United States of America was adopted on June 20, 1782. The Bald Eagle is featured prominently on front (obverse) of the Great Seal. The imagery purposefully contains double meanings and subtle warnings directed at the citizens of the USA, our allies, and our enemies.
-The Bald Eagle represents strength and freedom. It is also found throughout the United States.
-The Shield is held singularly by the Bald Eagle symbolizing that the USA relies on its own virtue. The colors match the flag - purity, valor, and vigilance.
-The Olive Branch & Arrows held in the Bald Eagle's talons symbolize peace and war. The Eagle faces the talons holding the olive branch, symbolizing that the nation desires peace. However, the other talons clutch arrows showing that the United States of America is always ready and willing to defend itself.
-E Pluribus Unum is a Latin phrase found on the scroll the Eagle is holding in its beak. This phrase translates to "Out of Many, One", signifying the creation of a single, unified nation created from the original 13 states.
-The Constellation above the Eagle's head shows 13 stars shining through a cloud, symbolizing the new nation (USA) taking its place among other sovereign powers.
The Back of the Great Seal (the Reverse) also has symbolism.
-The Unfinished Pyramid shows strength and duration. It is unfinished purposefully to show that the nation is meant to grow and expand.
-The Eye of Providence at the top of the pyramid inside a triangle signifies God overseeing and favoring the American cause.
-The Latin phrase, "Annuit Coeptis" means "He favors our undertakings," another reference to God. It is found above the Eye.
-The Latin phrase, "Novus Ordo Seclorum," translates to "A New Order of the Ages", which refers to the new American era in 1776.
But wait, there's more....
-The Number 13 is repeated throughout the Seal and is a reference to the 13 original states. There are 13 stripes on the Shield, arrows in the talon, leaves and olives on the branch, stars in the constellation, and letters in the motto.
Come celebrate with us on June 20, 2026.
