The eagle became the official national symbol of the USA in 1782, didn't it? What symbol is an olive branch?

Yes, that's correct! The bald eagle became an official national symbol of the United States on June 20, 1782, when the Continental Congress adopted the Great Seal of the United States.

The olive branch is a symbol of peace, friendship, and goodwill. On the Great Seal of the United States, the bald eagle holds an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of 13 arrows in its left talon.

These objects have important symbolic meanings:

• The olive branch represents peace and the United States' desire to maintain friendly relations with other nations.

• The 13 arrows represent the original 13 American states and symbolize strength, unity, and readiness to defend the country.

• The eagle's head, which faces the olive branch, emphasizes that the United States prefers peace to war.

The olive branch has been associated with peace since ancient times, particularly in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. It is also widely recognized as a symbol of reconciliation and hope.

Together, the olive branch and arrows express an important principle of American national symbolism: the United States seeks peace but is prepared to defend its freedom and independence when necessary.

Therefore, the answer is: An olive branch is a symbol of peace.