Lesson 1: Symbols of America

The United States is a country with special symbols that show what it stands for. The American flag has stars and stripes that represent the fifty states and the original colonies. The bald eagle is a symbol of strength and freedom.

Americans also use words to show their loyalty. The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise to be true to the United States. The national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," is a song about the flag surviving a battle. Singing this song reminds people of the country's history and courage.

Some special places are called landmarks. These are buildings or statues that are important to the whole nation. The Statue of Liberty in New York is a famous landmark that was a gift to America. It is a symbol of hope and freedom for people coming to live in the United States.

Other landmarks honor leaders. Mount Rushmore shows the faces of four presidents carved into a mountain. The White House in Washington, D.C., is where the President lives and works. These places help tell the story of the nation.