Symbols of the USA

Ø 1) Read the heading and the following words from the text and say what the text is about: flag, patriotism, loyalty, anthem, founding documents, emblem, the eagle, the bald eagle.

American patriotism is based more on belief in a certain set of ideals than on a geographical space. For most Americans, the spirit of their country is rooted in the concepts of freedom, and democracy.

It has become customary to fly The Flag on national holidays, and many people now fly The Flag daily from their homes. This action demonstrates patriotism and loyalty to the country and honors the sacrifice of all who have made this Great Nation possible. The thirteen stripes of the flag represent the original thirteen colonies and the fifty stars represent the fifty states.

The American National Anthem “The Star Spangled Banner” is a tribute to the American flag. In many American schools children begin their day by reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the flag.

It has become customary to display replicas of the country’s founding documents including “The Declaration of Independence, ” “The Bill of Rights” and “The Constitution” in libraries and offices, at home and at work. This is done in recognition of the important principles that are the basis for the establishment of American free society.

The eagle represents Freedom. The bald eagle was chosen as the emblem of the United States of America because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent. It has become a tradition to display the eagle, or the Seal of the United States which contains the eagle, in locations where the Federal Government has offices or conducts official business. The eagle is found on U.S. currency and coins and also forms the basis for many emblems of government agencies. Many families have an eagle with spread wings above their hearth or displayed on the external surfaces of their homes above doors, entries or garages. It is often used as an ornament for flagpoles.

Ø 2) Name the statements which are true:

a) the eagle forms the basis for many emblems of government agencies,

b) the eagle represents democracy,

c) the concepts of freedom and democracy are very important in the United States,

d) the replicas of the founding documents are displayed everywhere,

e) the American National Anthem “God, save the Queen” is known all over the country,

f) it is a custom to fly the flag daily from homes,

g) every day in offices begins with the “Pledge of Allegiance”.