National Symbols and Leaders

National Symbols of the US and their Significance:

1. The American Flag (Stars and Stripes)

• Design: 13 red and white stripes representing the original 13 colonies, and 50 stars representing the current states.

• Significance: The flag is a symbol of freedom, unity, and resilience. Red symbolizes valor and bravery, white represents purity and innocence, and blue stands for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

• History: The flag was first adopted on June 14, 1777, and has evolved as new states joined the Union.

• The Pledge of Allegiance Explained 

• The Pledge of Allegiance 

• The History of the Pledge of Allegiance 

• What does the US Flag mean? 

2. The Bald Eagle

• Adoption: Officially adopted as the national bird in 1782.

• Significance: Chosen for its strength, courage, and long life, the bald eagle is also seen as a symbol of freedom. Its ability to soar high into the sky reflects aspirations for greatness.

• History: Native to North America, the bald eagle was a natural choice for representing the country’s unique identity.

3. The Great Seal of the United States

• Design: Features a bald eagle holding an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and arrows (symbolizing the nation's readiness to defend itself). A shield with 13 stripes rests on its chest, and above the eagle is a banner reading E Pluribus Unum ("Out of many, one").

• Significance: Represents the unity of the states and the balance between peace and strength.

• Usage: Found on official government documents, passports, and currency.

4. The Statue of Liberty

• Location: Liberty Island, New York Harbor.

• Significance: A gift from France in 1886, the statue symbolizes freedom and democracy. The torch represents enlightenment, and the tablet she holds inscribed with "July 4, 1776" symbolizes the Declaration of Independence.

• Historical Context: Often seen as a welcoming symbol for immigrants arriving in the U.S.

5. The Liberty Bell

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

• Significance: A symbol of American independence and liberty. Its famous crack is a reminder of its history and the struggles for freedom.

• History: Rung on July 8, 1776, to mark the reading of the Declaration of Independence. The inscription reads, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants Thereof."

6. The National Anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner"

• Lyrics: Written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying after the Battle of Fort McHenry.

• Significance: Represents perseverance and victory, and it is a unifying expression of patriotism.

7. The Rose (National Flower)

• Adoption: Declared the national flower in 1986.

• Significance: Symbolizes love, beauty, and devotion. Roses have been associated with significant events and celebrations in U.S. history.

8. Uncle Sam

• Symbol: A personification of the U.S. government.

• Significance: Popularized during the War of 1812, Uncle Sam is depicted as a tall man with white hair, a goatee, and clothing resembling the American flag. He represents patriotism and national unity.

• Famous Usage: Recruitment posters with the slogan “I Want YOU for U.S. Army.”

9. The National Motto: "In God We Trust"

• Adoption: Official motto since 1956.

• Significance: Reflects the nation’s spiritual heritage and faith in a higher power.

• Usage: Found on currency and government buildings.

10. National Tree: The Oak

• Adoption: Declared in 2004.

• Significance: Represents strength, resilience, and endurance, qualities that reflect the American spirit.

11. Mount Rushmore

• Location: South Dakota.

• Design: Features the carved faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

• Significance: Honors the country's founding, expansion, preservation, and unification.

12. The National Colors: Red, White, and Blue

• Significance: Reflect the ideals of the American flag — valor, purity, and justice.

13. National Song: "America the Beautiful"

• Lyrics: Written by Katharine Lee Bates, celebrating the natural beauty and ideals of the country.

• Significance: Often considered a reflection of the nation’s aspirations and achievements.

American History Leadership Quotes

“I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I must not fail to do the something that I can do.”

Helen Keller, educator and advocate for the blind and deaf who lived from 1880 to 1968. She also co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union.

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”

Amelia Earhart, first woman to fly a plane across the Atlantic ocean who lived from 1897 to 1939 when she disappeared while flying over the Pacific ocean.

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

Babe Ruth, record-setting baseball player who lived from 1895 to 1948

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”

Henry Ford, American automobile manufacturer known for creating the Model T in 1908 and pioneering assembly line manufacturing

Related blog: Learning from failure: 5 inspiring life lessons

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”

Henry Ford

“Don’t sit down and wait for opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”

Madam C.J. Walker, the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire who lived from 1867 to 1919

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803 to 1882, poet, philosopher and essayist

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th U.S. president who lived from 1890 to 1969

“Never do things others can do and will do if there are things others cannot do or will not do.”

Amelia Earhart

“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower

“A single twig breaks, but the bundle of twigs is strong.”

Tecumseh, Shawnee chief who lived from 1768 to 1813

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”

Alexander Graham Bell, scientist and inventor known for inventing the first working telephone in 1876

“Big jobs usually go to the men who prove their ability to outgrow small ones.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”

Thomas A. Edison, 1847 to 1931, inventor known for creating the first marketable light bulb who also held more than 1,000 patents

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”

Henry David Thoreau, 1817 to 1862, essayist and poet remembered for his philosophical and naturalist writings

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.”

Henry David Thoreau

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

Harriet Tubman, 1820 to 1913, abolitionist who escaped slavery and helped hundreds more find freedom as a conductor on the Underground Railroad

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

Frederick Douglass, 1818 to 1895, abolitionist leader, author and champion of women’s rights

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

Harriet Beecher Stowe, author and social activist who lived from 1811-1896