National Symbols
Grade 1 · Social Studies · Study Guide
Explore the important symbols of the United States and what they represent.
National symbols are special objects, images, or songs that represent the United States of America. They remind us of our country's history, values, and the people who helped build it. When we see or hear these symbols, we feel proud to be Americans.
The American flag is one of the most important symbols. It has 50 stars — one for each state — and 13 stripes for the 13 original colonies. Red stands for bravery, white for purity, and blue for justice. The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise we say to honor the flag.
The bald eagle is the national bird and symbolizes strength and freedom. The Liberty Bell rang out to celebrate freedom and is kept in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, stands in New York Harbor and welcomes people to a land of freedom. The national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' is a song we sing to honor our country.
| Symbol | What It Represents |
|---|---|
| American Flag | Unity of 50 states and 13 original colonies |
| Bald Eagle | Strength and freedom |
| Liberty Bell | Freedom and independence |
| Statue of Liberty | Welcome and freedom for newcomers |
| Star-Spangled Banner | Pride in our nation through song |
Key terms
- national symbol
- An object, image, or song that represents a country
- American flag
- The flag of the United States with 50 stars and 13 stripes
- bald eagle
- The national bird of the United States, representing strength and freedom
- Pledge of Allegiance
- A promise of loyalty that Americans say to honor their country and flag
- national anthem
- The official song of a country — the US anthem is 'The Star-Spangled Banner'
Flashcards
- national symbol
- An image, object, or song that represents a country
- American flag
- Has 50 stars (one per state) and 13 stripes (original colonies)
- bald eagle
- The national bird of the US, representing strength and freedom
- Pledge of Allegiance
- A promise of loyalty Americans say to honor the flag and country
- Liberty Bell
- A bell in Philadelphia that symbolizes freedom
- Statue of Liberty
- A monument in New York Harbor — a gift from France representing freedom
Practice questions
How many stars are on the American flag?
- 13
- 50
- 48
- 100
Show answer
Answer: 50
There is one star on the American flag for each of the 50 US states.
The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States.
Show answer
Answer: True
The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird in 1782 because it symbolizes power and freedom.
What does the Pledge of Allegiance do?
- Names all the US presidents
- Lists the states in order
- Is a promise of loyalty to the flag and country
- Describes the American flag's colors
Show answer
Answer: Is a promise of loyalty to the flag and country
The Pledge of Allegiance is recited as a statement of patriotism and commitment to the United States.
The 50 stars on the American flag stand for the 50 ___.
Show answer
Answer: states
Each of the 50 stars represents one of the 50 states that make up the United States.
The Statue of Liberty was built in the United States by Americans.
Show answer
Answer: False
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France, designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.
Fun facts
- The American flag is called 'Old Glory' — a nickname given by a ship captain in 1831.
- The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France and arrived in 350 pieces packed in 214 crates!
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