The bald eagle holds 13 arrows on the Great Seal of the United States.
The arrows are in the eagle’s left talon, while the right talon holds an olive branch. Together, these objects symbolize a readiness for war alongside a preference for peace. The repeated number 13 refers to the thirteen original states.
The Great Seal’s obverse also includes a shield with thirteen stripes, a constellation of thirteen stars, and the motto E pluribus unum. The eagle turns its head toward the olive branch, reinforcing the traditional interpretation that peace is preferred over conflict.
Congress adopted the final design of the Great Seal on June 20, 1782. The design was assembled from contributions and ideas developed by several committees and individuals, including Charles Thomson and William Barton. The seal is not the same thing as the presidential seal, although the presidential emblem draws heavily on its imagery.