Seal of Michigan

The Great Seal of the State of Michigan

The Great Seal of the State of Michigan depicts the US State's coat of arms on a light blue field. On the dark blue shield the sun rises over a lake and peninsula, a man holding a long gun with a raised hand represents peace and the ability to defend his rights. The elk and moose are symbols of Michigan, while the bald eagle represents the United States.

The design features three Latin mottos. From top to bottom they are:

1. On the red ribbon: E Pluribus Unum, "Out of many, one", a motto of the United States
2. On the light blue shield: Tuebor, "I will defend"
3. On the white ribbon: Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you," which is the official state motto.

Act 19 of 1963 states that "The great seal shall be comprised (sic) of the coat of arms of the state around which shall appear the words 'great seal of the state of Michigan, A.D. MDCCCXXXV.' "

See also

• United States Heraldry