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HIGHLIGHTS
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Symbols and Celebrations of the United States
The Flag
The first flag was commissioned in 1777. It originally had thirteen alternating red and white stripes with thirteen white stars on a blue field for each of the original colonies. Has we accepted more states into the Union one additional star was added for each.
Today, the U.S. flag consists of 50 white stars on a blue field and thirteen alternating red and white stripes. Each of the three colors on the flag have a special meaning. White stands for purity and innocence, red represents valor and bravery and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice.
The National Anthem
Francis Scott Key penned the Star-Spangled Banner in 1814 during a British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. After the 25-hour offensive ended, he could still see the flag flying overhead. The Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as our national anthem in 1931.
The National Anthem
Francis Scott Key penned the Star-Spangled Banner in 1814 during a British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. After the 25-hour offensive ended, he could still see the flag flying overhead. The Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as our national anthem in 1931.
View the words of the Star-Spangled Banner.
The Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy in 1892 as an expression to say “what our republic meant and what was the underlying spirit of its life.” His original text has been changed twice. In 1923 “my flag” was replaced by “the flag of the United States of America”, and in 1954 Congress added the phrase “under God”. Congress officially recognized the Pledge in 1942.
The Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy in 1892 as an expression to say “what our republic meant and what was the underlying spirit of its life.” His original text has been changed twice. In 1923 “my flag” was replaced by “the flag of the United States of America”, and in 1954 Congress added the phrase “under God”. Congress officially recognized the Pledge in 1942.
“I pledge allegiance to Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, on Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
The National Flower
The rose is the national floral emblem of the United States. It was proposed 1985 and adopted by Congress in on September 23, 1986. President Ronald Regan issued a proclamation and signed the resolution on October 7, 1986 from the White House Rose Garden.
The rose is the national floral emblem of the United States. It was proposed 1985 and adopted by Congress in on September 23, 1986. President Ronald Regan issued a proclamation and signed the resolution on October 7, 1986 from the White House Rose Garden.
Over the years, the rose has been a symbol of love, beauty, war and politics.
Hail to the Chief
Hail to the Chief is a presidential march played by the United States Marine Corps band before the President of the United States makes a ceremonial appearance. In 1954, the Department of Defense made Hail to the Chief the official tune to announce the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief.
Hail to the Chief
Hail to the Chief is a presidential march played by the United States Marine Corps band before the President of the United States makes a ceremonial appearance. In 1954, the Department of Defense made Hail to the Chief the official tune to announce the arrival of the Commander-in-Chief.
Hail to the Chief we have chosen for the nation,
Hail to the Chief! We salute him, one and all.
Hail to the Chief, as we pledge cooperation
In proud fulfillment of a great, noble call.Yours is the aim to make this grand country grander,
This you will do, That's our strong, firm belief.
Hail to the one we selected as commander,
Hail to the President! Hail to the Chief!
To view other patriotic songs, symbols and to learn about national holidays, click here.