Lessons on Freedom and Patriotism
Lesson No. One
The Seal of the United States symbolizes Important Founding
Principles - it is found on the reverse side of the dollar bill.
The meaning of the symbols on the front and back cover of this book - By military tradition general officers often have a personal coin. I gave my coin as a way to recognize and thank people. After I retired I prepared another coin, shown in Lesson One and Lesson Two, which I give to family and friends who have blessed my life. It is an expression of my appreciation and love, and also a way to bear testimony of the Book of Mormon and the principles of freedom.
Strength –The eagle was chosen by our Founders as our national symbol. The eagle represents strength. The Book of Mormon teaches that with the strength of the Lord we can do all things. (See Alma 20:4; 26:12) The Founders were aware that the Bible uses the imagery of the strength of an eagle: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31). The Founders believed that righteousness brings strength.
Preparation – The importance of peace is depicted by the eagle with an olive branch in its right talon. The Founders depicted the eagle looking to the olive branch showing as Washington said, “Peace with all the world is [our] sincere wish.” However, our need to prepare for war is symbolized by the arrows in the eagle’s left talon. Captain Moroni prepared the people to be faithful to the Lord, and he also strengthened their armies. (See Alma 48:7-8) The apostle Paul used the imagery of a soldier prepared for war to teach the need for spiritual preparation: "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17).
The Founders understood that while we must be prepared to defend our freedom by the force of arms, spiritual preparation is more important. John Adams said: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.”
Unity – In its beak the eagle has a banner upon which is written the Latin phrase E Pluribus Unum which means “Out of many, one.” The Founders understood that our nation would be a melting pot with much diversity. Washington wrote to Lafayette: “I hope, some day or another, we shall become a storehouse and granary for the world.” However, the Founders had the wisdom to emphasize unity over diversity. Washington wrote to John Adams shortly before the signing of the Declaration of Independence: “We have nothing my Dear Sir, to depend upon but the protection of a kind Providence and unanimity among ourselves.” Unity is what gives peace and strength to society whether it is in the family, the neighborhood, the community, the state, or the nation. Unity is a gift of the Spirit and brings peace. The Book of Mormon teaches that contention and anger "is of the devil" (3 Nephi 11:29). Paul counseled the Ephesians saints: "[endeavor] to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).