The President's flag

The Presidential Seal and Flag show the spread-winged eagle of the U.S. Great Seal surrounded by a circle of 50 stars. The Presidential Seal includes the words “Seal of the President of the United States.” Only the U.S. President is authorized to use the seal. The first Presidential Seal and Flag were adopted by the Navy Department in 1882 and then were standardized by President Wilson in 1916. This seal showed the eagle looking to its left, towards the arrow-grasping talon.

In 1945, Truman ordered the Presidential Seal and Flag redesigned. He did not like the way the eagle's head faced the arrows of war. He believed that the president, although prepared for war, should always look towards peace. He had the head turned toward the olive branches. He added 48 stars to stand for each state in the union at that time (when Alaska and Hawaii joined the union in 1959, their stars were added). The stars would show that the president had been elected by all people, not just from one group or area. Truman also changed the all-white eagle to a naturally colored American bald eagle; changed the placement of the “E Pluribus Unum” (out of many, one) banner and four stars. The colors on the coat of arms are symbolic: white for purity and innocence, red for hardiness and valor, and blue for color of the Chief, representing vigilance, perseverance and justice.

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