[1] The plow and the shovel represent the dignity of labor and hard work through which the nation will prosper.

[2] On 22 July 1974, the Legislature of Liberia passed an act giving authorization to the president to establish a commission to give consideration to possible changes to a number of national symbols, including the national seal and motto.

President William Tolbert appointed 51 members to the Commission on National Unity.

The commission sought to reexamine the symbols, and remove divisive or uninclusive aspects of them.

The article quotes the following description as the design guidelines:[4] Seal: A dove on the wind with an open scroll in its claws.