American Symbols

On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress made a resolution as to how The American Flag was to be designed.   According to historical records, the first American flag was sewn by Betsy Ross.  Through the years, with the addition of new states, the flag has changed many times.  Today, it is represented with 13 stripes, alternate red and white, with 50 stars representing the 50 states on a blue field.

The bald eagle was chosen as America's national emblem or national bird on June 20, 1782 after the great seal of the United States was adopted.  It was chosen by our Founding Fathers because it symbolizes strength, power, and freedom.  The eagle may be found on anything from stamps to coins, to clothing and more.

Photo Courtesy of Karen French

Photo Courtesy of Bob Bauer

On November 20, 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed  Proclamation 5774 naming the "Rose" as America's national flower.  As quoted in this proclamation by President Reagan, "Americans have always loved the flowers with which God decorates our land. More often than any other flower, we hold the rose dear as the symbol of life and love and devotion, of beauty and eternity. For the love of man and woman, for the love of mankind and God, for the love of country, Americans who would speak the language of the heart do so with a rose...."

The national song of America is none other than the "Star-Spangled Banner" written by Francis Scott Key.

Artist Unknown

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On July 30, 1956, a law was passed stating that the American motto was "In God We Trust"; however the term "E Pluribus Unum" (meaning "out of many, one") was also considered to be an American motto.  According to the Department of State in 1963, while the true national motto is "In God We Trust", the latter has also been accepted as the national motto, and Congress has since used both.

Artist Unknown

Photo Property of U.S.A

Uncle Sam has been a figure symbolizing the United States for years.  During the War of 1812, a businessman named Samuel Wilson supplied the Army with beef in barrels, which were labeled U.S. because they were the property of the U.S. government.  It's believed that this led to the use of "Uncle Sam" as a nickname for the United States; therefore, in 1961, Congress passed a resolution which recognized Samuel Wilson as the inspiration for the symbol of Uncle Sam.  Uncle Sam's most famous picture can be found on Army recruiting posters.  These posters were designed in World War I, and they read, "I Want You for the U.S. Army". 

The Great Seal of the United States was was adopted on June 20, 1782.  It was first used on the reverse of the one-dollar Federal Reserve note in 1935.  It symbolizes the beliefs and values of our Founding Fathers.  The number 13, denoting the 13 original States, is represented in the bundle of arrows, the stripes of the shield, and the stars of the constellation. The olive branch and the arrows "denote the power of peace and war." The constellation of stars symbolizes a new nation taking its place among other sovereign states. The motto E Pluribus Unum, inscribed on the scroll and clenched in the eagle's beak, expresses the union of the 13 States.

Photo Property of U.S.A.

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