It’s the Fourth of July! And thoughts of this holiday can, of course, take one in many directions: the Founding Fathers, family gatherings, the struggles over the years to maintain peace and prosperity, etc. But today, let’s take a look at 10 iconic symbols that have become synonymous with the U.S. over its 240-plus years of existence.
- Liberty Bell Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this iconic symbol of American independence was originally commissioned in 1752.
- The Great Seal The seal was created by the Founding Fathers to reflect the beliefs and values they attached to the new nation.
- Old Glory Betsy Ross was reported to have sewn the first American flag in May of 1776.
- Bald Eagle The American bald eagle was chosen as the National Bird in 1782, chiefly for its majestic beauty and strength.
- Uncle Sam The U.S. got this nickname in 1813. The name is linked to Samuel Wilson, who supplied food to the US Army during the War of 1812.
- Statue of Liberty This gift from France was dedicated in New York City in 1886, and was declared a National Monument by President Coolidge in 1924.
- The Pledge of Allegiance This Oath of Loyalty was originally written in 1892 by clergyman Francis Bellamy. It was amended in 1954 to include the words “under God.”
- “In God We Trust” This became the nation’s official motto in July 1956 after President Eisenhower signed it into law.
- The Mighty Oak The oak tree became the national tree of the U.S. in 2004 after Americans voted for it via the National Arbor Day Foundation.
- Bison In 2016, President Obama signed into law the National Bison Legacy Act, marking the bison as the country’s official mammal.
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