a bald eagle, the national bird of the united states represents the safety of america. the arrows in the talons of the eagle represent courage in war. the sego lily, the utah state flower, represents peace. the state motto "industry" represents progress, hard work, and community as does the emblem of the beehive, which is also a traditional mormon symbol. crossed union flags show utah's support and commitment to the united states. the name, utah, appears underneath the beehive. the date 1847 represents the year brigham young led the first mormons into the state. the year listed below that, 1896, represents the year that utah was admitted to the union. the gold circle around the state seal represents eternal order. the shield underneath the bald eagle represents common defense (military).