The 14 branches symbolize the Thirteen Colonies and Vermont as the 14th state admitted to the union.

It is believed that the two sets of wavy lines might also suggest the Connecticut River and Lake Champlain, Vermont's east and west borders.

The motto is central to the Vermont ideal of balancing personal freedom with the individual's responsibility to their community.

The seal was first used by the government of the independent Vermont Republic as it existed prior to admission to the Union.

The original metal dies for the first seal of Vermont are stored at the Secretary of State's office at Redstone, a large red brick and sandstone Queen Anne style house at Montpelier.