What is a symbol?
A symbol is a picture, object or sign that stands for something else. A smiley face can mean happy. A red cross can mean help.
Countries have symbols too. When people see them, they think of their country and feel proud. The United States of America has many famous symbols.
The American flag
The United States flag is red, white and blue. People call it the Stars and Stripes or Old Glory.
- It has 50 white stars on a blue rectangle, one star for each of the 50 states.
- It has 13 stripes, seven red and six white, for the 13 colonies that became the first states.
- The flag has changed many times as new states joined. The 50-star flag has been used since 1960.
Flag Day is June 14.
The bald eagle
The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. It isn’t really bald; it has white feathers on its head. Bald eagles are strong and fly high, so they stand for strength and freedom. You can see an eagle on the Great Seal of the United States and on some coins.
"The Star-Spangled Banner"
An anthem is a special song for a country. The U.S. national anthem is "The Star-Spangled Banner." Francis Scott Key wrote the words in 1814 after seeing the flag still flying over a fort after a battle. People stand, take off their hats and often place a hand over their heart when it plays.
The Pledge of Allegiance
Many schools say the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning. It is a promise of loyalty to the flag and the country.
Famous places and symbols
| Symbol | What it is |
|---|---|
| Statue of Liberty | a giant green statue in New York Harbor holding a torch; a gift from France in 1886; it stands for freedom and welcomed many immigrants |
| Liberty Bell | a large bell with a crack, in Philadelphia; a symbol of freedom |
| White House | where the president lives and works, in Washington, D.C. |
| U.S. Capitol | where Congress meets to make laws |
| Mount Rushmore | four presidents carved into a mountain in South Dakota |
| Uncle Sam | a cartoon figure in a star hat who stands for the U.S. government |
| Great Seal | the official stamp of the United States, with an eagle |
Celebrations in the United States
Independence Day
Independence Day is on July 4. It’s the birthday of the United States! On July 4, 1776, leaders signed the Declaration of Independence, saying the colonies were free from Great Britain. People celebrate with:
- fireworks
- parades
- picnics and barbecues
- red, white and blue decorations
Other special days
- Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November): families share a big meal and give thanks.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January): honours a leader who worked for fairness and equal rights.
- Presidents’ Day (third Monday of February): remembers presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
- Memorial Day (last Monday of May): remembers soldiers who died serving the country.
- Juneteenth (June 19): celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.
- Veterans Day (November 11): thanks everyone who served in the military.
Try it yourself
- Draw the U.S. flag. Count the stars and stripes.
- Why do you think the bald eagle was chosen as a symbol?
- Find a picture of the Statue of Liberty. What is she holding?
- Plan a Fourth of July party: food, decorations and games.
- Make a list of symbols you see around your school.
Tip for families
Look for American symbols on money. Which coins and bills show an eagle, a president or a famous building?
Quick recap
- A symbol stands for something else.
- The U.S. flag has 50 stars for the states and 13 stripes for the first colonies.
- The bald eagle is the national bird, and "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the anthem.
- The Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell stand for freedom.
- Independence Day, on July 4, is the country’s birthday.