National Symbols: The American Flag, Bald Eagle, and Liberty Bell: First Grade Social
National symbols are special objects, animals, and emblems that represent the history, values, unity, and freedom of the United States of America.
What Is a National Symbol?
A symbol is a picture, animal, or object that stands for an important idea. Just as a red heart stands for love and an olive branch stands for peace, our nation has chosen special symbols that represent our country's founding ideals of liberty, courage, and unity. When Americans see these symbols, they feel pride and connection to their fellow citizens.
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| GREAT SYMBOLS OF THE UNITED STATES |
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| The American Flag| Our national banner of 50 stars & 13 |
| | stripes representing our states & origin|
| The Bald Eagle | National bird representing freedom and |
| | strength |
| The Liberty Bell | Historic bell in Philadelphia ringing |
| | for freedom and independence |
| Statue of Liberty| Copper colossus welcoming newcomers in |
| | New York Harbor |
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The American Flag: Old Glory
The flag of the United States is one of the most widely recognized symbols in the world. It is lovingly nicknamed "The Stars and Stripes" or "Old Glory."
THE AMERICAN FLAG DESIGN
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The 13 Red and White Stripes
The American flag features thirteen horizontal stripes: seven red stripes and six white stripes.
These thirteen stripes represent the original thirteen American colonies that came together in 1776 to declare their independence and form the United States. Red stands for valor and courage; white stands for purity and innocence.
The 50 White Stars on a Field of Blue
In the upper-left corner of the flag sits a dark blue rectangle called the canton or the union.
Inside this blue field are fifty white, five-pointed stars. Each individual star represents one of the fifty states in our nation today. Blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Whenever a new state joined our nation throughout history, a new star was proudly added to the flag!
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| FLAG ELEMENT | QUANTITY | WHAT IT REPRESENTS |
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| Red & White Stripes | 13 Stripes | Original 13 colonies |
| White Stars | 50 Stars | 50 modern United States |
| Blue Background | 1 Canton Field | Unity, justice, vigilance |
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The Bald Eagle: Sovereign of the Skies
In 1782, our nation's founders chose the American Bald Eagle as our official national bird and emblem.
A Native Creature of Strength and Freedom
The bald eagle is a majestic bird of prey native only to North America. It is not actually bald; its head and neck are covered in pure white feathers that contrast against its dark brown body and sharp, bright yellow beak and talons.
With a massive wingspan reaching over six feet, the bald eagle can soar high above mountain peaks and dive swiftly toward lakes to catch fish. The founders chose the bald eagle because it represents strength, freedom, courage, and self-reliance. You can see the bald eagle stamped on quarters, dollar bills, and official government seals.
THE BALD EAGLE PROFILE
_--_ White feathered head
/ -_) Sharp yellow hooked beak
/ / Piercing golden eyes
/ / Dark brown feathered wings
/ / Soars freely across America
The Liberty Bell: Ringing for Freedom
The Liberty Bell is a historic bronze bell located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that played a key role during the American Revolution.
History and Inscription
Cast in the 1750s, the Liberty Bell hung in the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall). It was rung to gather citizens of Philadelphia together to hear the public reading of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.
Around the crown of the bell is an inspiring inscription from ancient scripture: "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof."
THE FAMOUS LIBERTY BELL
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/ | LIBERTY |
| BELL |
| /| | <--- Famous Jagged Crack!
| / | |
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The Famous Crack
The Liberty Bell is famous for its large, jagged crack running down its side. The bell cracked during its very first test ring in Philadelphia. Although metalworkers recast it, a new crack appeared years later as it was rung to honor heroes like George Washington.
Today, the Liberty Bell no longer rings, but millions of visitors travel to Philadelphia each year to view the cracked bronze bell as an enduring symbol of liberty and human rights.
Exercises and Review
Exercise 1: What do the fifty stars and thirteen stripes on the American flag represent?
Exercise 1 Solution: The fifty white stars on the blue field represent the fifty individual states that make up the United States today, and the thirteen red and white stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that joined together to form the nation in 1776.
Exercise 2: Why did America's founders choose the bald eagle as our national bird, and where can you find its image today?
Exercise 2 Solution: America's founders chose the bald eagle because it is a majestic bird native to North America that represents strength, freedom, and courage. Its image can be found on quarters, dollar bills, passports, and official United States government seals.