We have many Symbols of freedom and pride
which bond us together as citizens of the United States of America.

Old Glory: The Stars and Stripes

When we display our flag or say the Pledge of Allegiance and hold our hand over our heart, we are honoring it by showing our respect.  See also:
                            http://www.studyzone.org/testprep/ss5/b/valsamdeml.cfm

Bald Eagle

The word bald does not suggest that
the eagle has no "hair" or feathers on
 its head.  It comes from the word
"piebald" which means "marked with white."

Our national symbol is the bald eagle. In 1782, after six years of  discussion over what symbol should be chosen to represent our nation, the United States Congress selected this majestic bird.  It appears on many or our nation's documents. Bald eagles can be found on government seals, the Presidential flag, military badges, money, postage stamps, and government buildings.  

Congress chose this magnificent bird for several reasons.  The bald eagle is found only in North America, which makes it a true "All-American."  The eagle with its outspread wings represented freedom to our new nation.  The strong powerful bird would be a fitting symbol for a growing nation.

The bald eagle became threatened with extinction in the early 1900's.  The use of poisonous pesticides and the growth of cities which disturbed eagle habitats caused the population of eagles to rapidly decline.  In 1940, Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection Act, and bald eagles became a protected species.  This meant that it was against the law to kill or harm  or disturb bald eagles.  In 1967, they were placed on the endangered species list.  Our national symbol was in danger of disappearing forever!

By passing laws protecting bald eagles and by educating people and making them aware of their needs, the eagle population is now increasing.  They are still considered a threatened species, but they are no longer in danger of extinction. This preservation of our national symbol is an example of the success of Americans working together for a common goal.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is a national monument.  Often referred to as "Lady Liberty," her full name is "Liberty Enlightening the World."  She is a symbol of freedom and international friendship. She was a gift, given to the people of the United States in 1886, from the people of France.  The French gave this gift of friendship to honor 100 years of independence for the United States.

The magnificent Statue of Liberty stands 151 feet tall.  In her left hand she holds a law book with July 4, 1776, the date of the Declaration of Independence, inscribed on its cover. In her right hand she holds a torch which represents enlightenment, or understanding.   At her feet are broken chains which symbolize liberty and crushing the chains of slavery.

The statue, located in New York Harbor, became a symbol of welcome for  immigrants coming to America.  For people from around the world she offered hope and freedom. A poem entitled "The New Colossus" is mounted on the base of the statue.  Part of it reads:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door."

Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell rang out as a sign of freedom when the Declaration of Independence was read publicly  for the first time in July of 1776. It has now become one of America's most treasured symbols.

The bell, weighing close to 2000 pounds, arrived in the colony of  Pennsylvania in the year 1752.  It came from England where it was cast, mostly from copper and tin. The bell cracked immediately after its arrival, but a new bell was soon made from the same metal. The second bell was also flawed, and it too soon cracked.  The metal was again used to make a third bell.  On this bell is written the inscription:

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof..."

In 1846, a small crack in this third bell began to spread and required repair. After patching it, the bell was rung for the last time on February 23, 1846, in honor of George Washington's birthday.

The bell was made for the Pennsylvania State House, which is now known as Independence Hall.  Today it is located  in a monument called the Liberty Bell Pavilion, in Philadelphia. Visitors from all over the United States and from around the world visit the bell when they travel to historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Uncle Sam

 
This famous portrait of "Uncle Sam" was
created by James Montgomery Flagg in 1916.
Its title is "What Are You Doing for Preparedness?"

Uncle Sam has come to symbolize the United States government and the spirit of our country.  The most famous picture of Uncle Sam was first printed on a magazine cover in July of 1916.  This picture then became a popular Army recruiting poster during World War I and again in World War II.  Through the years Uncle Sam has been portrayed by many artists, illustrators, and cartoonists.  Certain characteristics however have always remained the same.  Uncle Sam is always shown wearing the United States' colors; red, white, and blue. He is usually portrayed as a tall man with white hair and goatee wearing a top hat.

Many believe that the character of Uncle Sam was based on Samuel Wilson who lived in Troy, NY during the War of 1812.  Samuel Wilson was in the meat packing business.  His company sold barrels of beef and pork to the United States Army.  These barrels were stamped with the letters US to show that they were to be used by the United States government.  The residents of Troy were proud of their local businessman, Samuel Wilson, and his contribution to the US Army.  They began to say that the initials U.S. stood for "Uncle Sam" Wilson.  As the nickname spread, Uncle Sam became a popular symbol of the United States. The United States Congress passed a resolution in 1961, recognizing Samuel Wilson of Troy, NY as the man behind the idea for Uncle Sam.