The bald eagle, chosen as the national bird in 1782, holds a scroll inscribed with "E Pluribus Unum" – Latin for "Out of Many, One," reflecting the unification of 13 distinct colonies. The Great Seal's design, finalized in 1782 after numerous revisions, incorporates 13 stars representing the original colonies and an olive branch with 13 olives signifying peace, alongside arrows symbolizing war.