American Symbols
American symbols are objects, animals, and places that represent the United States and its values of freedom, democracy, and unity. They remind us of what our country stands for.
The American Flag
The American flag is one of the most important symbols of the United States.
- 50 stars — one for each state
- 13 stripes — 7 red, 6 white — represent the original 13 colonies
- Red — valor and bravery
- White — purity and innocence
- Blue — vigilance, perseverance, and justice
We say the Pledge of Allegiance facing the flag as a promise to be loyal to the United States.
The Statue of Liberty and the Bald Eagle
| Symbol | Facts | What It Represents |
|---|---|---|
| Statue of Liberty | Located in New York Harbor; gift from France (1886); 305 feet tall | Freedom and democracy; welcomed immigrants |
| Bald Eagle | National bird since 1782; found only in North America | Strength, freedom, independence |
| Liberty Bell | In Philadelphia, PA; has a famous crack; rang at important events | Freedom and independence |
| White House | Washington D.C.; home of the President since 1800 | The presidency and executive branch |
National Holidays
National holidays celebrate important events and people in American history:
| Holiday | When | What It Celebrates |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Day | July 4th | America declaring independence in 1776 |
| Thanksgiving | 4th Thursday of November | Harvest and gratitude; honors the Pilgrims |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday of May | Military members who died serving the US |
| Veterans Day | November 11th | All military veterans |
| MLK Day | 3rd Monday of January | Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights |
Quick Quiz
Test what you just learned. Choose the best answer for each question.