Emblem of Guatemala, with legend at top, and date at bottom.

The Emblem of Guatemala depicts two rifles and two swords crossed with a wreath of laurel. The middle will harbor a scroll of parchment with the words "Liberty 15 of September of 1821" and in the upper part a Quetzal as the symbol of national independence and autonomy. 15 September 1821 is the date of Central America's independence from Spain.

The resplendent quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, and its image is found on the country's flag and coat of arms. It also lends its name to the country's currency, the Guatemalan quetzal (abbreviation GTQ).

Stylized peace dove, with the word Paz (Peace), celebrating the end of civil war on December 29, 1996.

The Guatemalan Civil War ran from 1960 to 1996. It was fought between the government of Guatemala and various leftist rebel groups supported chiefly by ethnic Maya indigenous people and Ladino peasants, who together make up the rural poor. The government forces of Guatemala have been condemned for committing genocide against the Maya population of Guatemala during the civil war and for widespread human rights violations against civilians.

Translation: Strong and lasting Peace