American Symbols and Monuments
Grade 2 · Social Studies · Study Guide
Explore the symbols, flags, and monuments that represent the United States of America.
The United States has many special symbols and monuments that represent who we are as a country and what we believe in. These symbols help us feel connected to one another and remind us of our shared history and values.
The American flag is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It has 50 stars — one for each state — and 13 stripes that represent the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Britain in 1776. The colors red, white, and blue stand for bravery, purity, and justice.
The Statue of Liberty stands on an island in New York Harbor. It was a gift from France to the United States in 1886. Lady Liberty holds a torch representing freedom and enlightenment, and a tablet with the date July 4, 1776 — the birthday of the United States. For millions of immigrants arriving by ship, the statue was their first glimpse of their new home.
Other famous American symbols include the bald eagle (our national bird), the Liberty Bell (which rang to announce the signing of the Declaration of Independence), the Great Seal (seen on the back of every dollar bill), and the national anthem 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' All of these symbols tell the story of America.
Key terms
- symbol
- Something that stands for or represents an idea, a country, or a belief
- monument
- A building or structure built to honor an important person or event
- patriotism
- Love and pride for your country
- independence
- Freedom from being controlled by someone else
- colony
- A settlement or territory ruled by a distant country
Flashcards
- American flag
- Has 50 stars (one per state) and 13 stripes (original colonies)
- Statue of Liberty
- A monument in New York Harbor, a gift from France in 1886
- Bald eagle
- The national bird of the United States
- Liberty Bell
- A famous bell that rang when the Declaration of Independence was signed
- Patriotism
- Love and pride for your country
- Monument
- A building or structure built to honor an important person or event
Practice questions
How many stars are on the American flag?
- 13
- 25
- 50
- 48
Show answer
Answer: 50
The 50 stars on the flag each represent one of the 50 US states. The number of stars has changed as new states joined the union.
The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States from France.
Show answer
Answer: True
France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a symbol of the friendship and shared love of freedom between the two countries.
The national bird of the United States is the bald ___.
Show answer
Answer: eagle
The bald eagle became the national bird of the United States in 1782 and appears on the Great Seal and many official documents.
What do the 13 stripes on the American flag represent?
- The 13 presidents
- The 13 original colonies
- The 13 states
- The 13 amendments
Show answer
Answer: The 13 original colonies
The 13 stripes honor the original 13 British colonies that declared independence in 1776 and became the first 13 states.
Patriotism means having love and pride for your country.
Show answer
Answer: True
Patriotism is the feeling of love, pride, and loyalty toward one's country — it is expressed by honoring symbols like the flag.
Fun facts
- The Statue of Liberty's full name is 'Liberty Enlightening the World' and her sandals alone are 25 feet long!
- The bald eagle was chosen as the national bird in 1782 — Benjamin Franklin actually preferred the wild turkey!
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