<B>Dear Readers:</B> Happy Fourth of July! While you are enjoying the outdoor barbecue, here's a little history to go with the day:

The United States has a Great Seal that is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the federal government. The Great Seal has a picture of a bald eagle with its wings outstretched, holding a bundle of 13 arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other. The arrows refer to the 13 original states, and the olive branch symbolizes a desire for peace. The olive branch is usually depicted with 13 leaves and 13 olives, going back to the original states.

In its beak, the eagle has a scroll with the motto "E pluribus unum," which means "out of many, one." Over its head is a blue field (called a "glory") with 13 stars. In front of the eagle is a shield with a blue top (called a "chief") and red and white stripes (called "pales").