| |
| | Consumer Information Center: Our Flag |
 | | On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution authorizing a committee to devise a seal for the United States of America. |
 | | The obverse front of the Great Seal-which is used 2,000 to 3,000 times a year-authenticates the President's signature on numerous official documents such as treaty ratifications, international agreements, appointments of Ambassadors and civil officers, and communications from the President to heads of foreign governments. |
 | | The Great Seal die, counter die, press, and cabinet in which they are housed, are located in the Exhibit Hall of the Department of State inside a locked glass enclosure. |
| www.pueblo.gsa.gov /cic_text/misc/ourflag/greatseal.htm (484 words) |
|