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Last Updated: Nov 17, 2015     Views: 100

The South Carolina state seal is a circular device with oval representations of the obverse (front) and reverse (back) of the original seal, which was put in service in 1777. The obverse has a palmetto tree and other symbols and the motto: ANIMIS OPIBUSQUE PARATI (AH-nee-meese OH-pee-BOOSE-quay pah-RAH-tee) - PREPARED IN MIND AND RESOURCES. The reverse has a picture of the Roman goddess Spes (Hope) and the motto: DUM SPIRO SPERO (DOOM SPEE-roe SPAY-roe) - WHILE I BREATHE I HOPE. Behind the ovals are branches of palm and laurel. The emblem was inspired by the victory of the palmetto log fort on Sullivan's Island over a British naval squadron on June 28, 1776, a date commemorated as Carolina Day. The original state seal was circular, with the palmetto on one side and the word, "Spes," (hope) on the other. Later the designs of the two sides were compressed into ovals. The state seal should not be confused with the seal of The Citadel, which depicts the palmetto tree, but which does not have any mottoes or other decorations. A copper plaque finished with gold leaf, 60 inches in diameter, reproducing the design of the state seal, is mounted over the sallyport of Padgett-Thomas Barracks. The palmetto and ovals of the state seal form part of the cap badge of the Corps of Cadets and are also represented on the mace-head of The Citadel's ceremonial mace. (Sources: South Carolina Legislative Manual. READY REFERENCE JK4271 .A4; David C. R. Heisser, The South Carolina State Seal; A Short History. REF CD5618 .S6 H45 1992) 

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