Iconic Symbols of the United States

National Symbols

The Flag

The symbol most revered by its citizens is the flag. The red and white stripes and white stars on a blue background tell the story of the country, its indomitable spirit, and its love of freedom.

The U.S. flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes, alternating red and white, with red always being the first and last of the bands. At the top, attached to the mast, is a blue rectangle with 50 white stars arranged in horizontal rows of 6 alternating with 5 rows. The 50 stars represent the 50 U.S. states, and the 13 bands represent the 13 original colonies.

National Anthem

"The Star-Spangled Banner" is the U.S. national anthem. It was born during the early hours of September 14, 1814. It is often performed at the start of major public events and competitions.

• In times of war, its performance was binding.
• At present, its performance is voluntary.
• In the USA, the American national anthem is always played before that of a foreign country.
• During the performance of a foreign national anthem, the U.S. citizen is expected to stand and listen in silence.

The Statue of Liberty

The statue, whose full name is Liberty Enlightening the World, was a gift from France to the United States, symbolizing the love of both countries for democracy. It is a copper statue, draped in a long, loose tunic, which stands majestically on a tiny island in the harbor of New York and welcomes boats and arriving passengers.

In its right hand, it holds a torch aloft pointing to the sky; in the left, it holds a tablet which reads: "July 4th, 1776," the date on which the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed.

Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam is the personification of the United States. He is a bearded man with long legs, clad in the colors and format of the national flag, and wearing a hat. He has been portrayed with various looks, moods, or attitudes to express different views.

Columbia

"Columbia" is the female equivalent of Uncle Sam, nearly as tall as him but much more realistic in appearance. She is usually presented as a gorgeous woman who wears a long white tunic and a Phrygian cap adorned with stars, sometimes holding the U.S. flag.