[Jamestown1630]

The Eagle is not holding a 'mace', but the arrows do signify the power of war.

From Wiki:

'The primary official explanation of the symbolism of the great seal was given by Charles Thomson upon presenting the final design for adoption by Congress. He wrote:

'The Escutcheon is composed of the chief & pale, the two most honorable ordinaries. The Pieces, paly, represent the several states all joined in one solid compact entire, supporting a Chief, which unites the whole & represents Congress. The Motto alludes to this union.

'The pales in the arms are kept closely united by the chief and the Chief depends upon that union & the strength resulting from it for its support, to denote the Confederacy of the United States of America & the preservation of their union through Congress. The colours of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor, and Blue, the colour of the Chief signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.

'The Olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace & war which is exclusively vested in Congress.'

I think the author got some of the meanings mixed up.

[higgmeister]

The Eagle is not holding a 'mace', but the arrows do signify the power of war.

I never said that the Eagle is holding a 'mace' at all.   I was not even thinking of The Great Seal.   I mentioned the Mace of the United States House of Representatives because it does have a bundle of rods like the Roman Fasces, insignia of official authority in ancient Rome that was referenced to in the article.