Req 4c — E Pluribus Unum

E Pluribus Unum is a Latin phrase that means “Out of many, one.” It has been a defining idea of the United States since the very beginning — appearing on the Great Seal of the United States, which was adopted in 1782, even before the Constitution was written.

Where Did It Come From?

When the Continental Congress declared independence in 1776, they immediately formed a committee to design a national seal — a symbol that would represent the new nation to the world. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were all on the committee. After six years and three different committees, the final seal was approved.

The motto “E Pluribus Unum” was placed on a ribbon held in the beak of the bald eagle at the center of the seal. The phrase came from an ancient Latin poem and had been used on the cover of a popular colonial magazine called The Gentleman’s Magazine, where it described how many articles came together in a single publication. For the new nation, it described how many states — and many people — came together to form a single country.

What Does It Mean?

On the surface, “Out of many, one” described the thirteen original colonies uniting to form one nation. But the motto has always meant more than that. It captures the idea that the United States is a country made up of people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs — and that this diversity is a source of strength, not weakness.

Think about it this way:

• Out of many states — one nation
• Out of many backgrounds — one people
• Out of many perspectives — one democracy

Where You Will Find It

The motto appears on many national symbols and places:

• The Great Seal — on official government documents, passports, and the back of the one-dollar bill
• U.S. coins and paper currency — on virtually every denomination
• The Presidential Seal — above the eagle’s head
• Government buildings — carved into stone on federal buildings across Washington, D.C.
• Military insignia — on the seals of many branches and agencies

Why It Matters Today

“E Pluribus Unum” is a reminder that the strength of the United States has always come from its ability to bring together people with different ideas, different traditions, and different stories. The country was founded by immigrants. It has been built by people from every continent on Earth. Every time the nation has faced a challenge — whether a war, a natural disaster, or a social crisis — it has survived because people chose to work together.

As a Scout, you see this principle at work every time your patrol or troop comes together. Each person brings different skills, different strengths, and different perspectives. When you combine them, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That is “E Pluribus Unum” in action.

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