United States Symbols

A symbol is something that has a special meaning. One United States symbol is the flag. To Americans, the flag stands for freedom. Here are some other U.S. symbols. They remind us of the hopes our country is based on.

Standing Tall

KYLE REID—GETTY IMAGES

The Statue of Liberty stands tall in New York Harbor

harbor
pw harbor
THIERRY DOSOGNE—GETTY IMAGES

a part of a body of water that is calm enough and deep enough to let ships or boats get close to land
(noun)

The ship is on the harbor.

. Lady Liberty was a gift to the U.S. from France. She represents

represent
pw-represent
CHIP SIMONS—GETTY IMAGES

to stand for something
(verb)

Darcy was picked to represent the whole second grade at the spelling bee.

freedom.

Let Freedom Ring

RICHARD T. NOWITZ—GETTY IMAGES

The Liberty Bell is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It used to ring for big events. It is another symbol for freedom.

A Patriotic Bird

GARY SAMPLES—GETTY IMAGES

The bald eagle is the country’s national

national
PW-NATIONAL
JOSE LUIS PELAEZ INC—GETTY IMAGES

relating to a whole nation or country
(adjective)

Paula won the national spelling bee last year.

bird. It stands for bravery and strength.

Our Nation’s Flower

YAYA ERNST—GETTY IMAGES

The rose is the national flower of the United States. It is a symbol of life, love, and beauty. Look at this rose garden in Washington, D.C. What color roses do you see?

Did You Know?

CRACKER CLIPS/GETTY IMAGES

This is the Seal of the President of the United States. It is made up of symbols. The stripes on the shield

shield
PW-SHIELD
RICK PARTINGTON/EYEEM—GETTY IMAGES

something that protects someone or something
(noun)

The knight’s shield has a design on it.

stand for the first 13 states. What else do you see?