SYMBOLS

What is a symbol? A symbol is something that stands for something or represents something else.

Look at the following symbols and tell what they represent.

Symbols are all around us and we use them everyday! I just did when I wrote these words!

PART 2

Our country utilizes symbols to represent democracy Our country utilizes symbols to represent democracy. In some instances, monuments and memorials are created to honor those who have upheld democracy in their lives in a special way.

What is a monument? A monument can be a statue, place, or building that is designed or preserved because of its historical or cultural importance. In other words, something important happened……and we need a way to remember and honor it.

What is a memorial? A memorial is much the same as a monument except it specifically honors a person or group of people who have died.

The Washington Monument

What is the Washington Monument? The Washington Monument is an obelisk near the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate the first U.S. president, General George Washington. George Washington was the commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) and served as the first President of the United States of America (1789–1797).For his central role in the formation of the United States, he is often referred to as the father of his country.

The Lincoln Memorial

What is the Lincoln Memorial? The Lincoln Memorial is an American memorial built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. It is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. and was dedicated on May 30, 1922. The building contains a large seated sculpture of Abraham Lincoln and inscriptions of two well-known speeches by Lincoln. The memorial has been the site of many famous speeches, including Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on August 28, 1963.

Arlington National Cemetery

What is Arlington National Cemetery? Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington County, Virginia is a military cemetery in the United States, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House. The cemetery is situated directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. and near The Pentagon. More than 300,000 people are buried in an area of 624 acres (2.53 km2). Veterans and military casualties from every one of the nation's wars are buried in the cemetery, from the American Civil War through the military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Mount Rushmore

What is Mount Rushmore? Mount Rushmore National Memorial, near Keystone, South Dakota, is a monumental granite sculpture by Gutzon Borglum (1867–1941), located within the United States Presidential Memorial that represents the first 150 years of the history of the United States of America with 60-foot (18 m) sculptures of the heads of former United States presidents (left to right): George Washington (1732–1799), Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919), and Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865).

The USS Arizona Memorial

What is the USS Arizona Memorial? The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor in the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii, marks the resting place of 1,102 of the 1,177 sailors killed on the USS Arizona during the Attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 by Japanese imperial forces and commemorates the events of that day. The attack on Pearl Harbor and the island of Oahu was the action that led to United States involvement in World War II.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

What is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial? The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a national war memorial in Washington, D.C. It honors members of the U.S. armed forces who fought in the Vietnam War and who died in service or are still unaccounted for. Inscribed on the walls are the names of servicemen who were either confirmed to be KIA (Killed in Action) or remained classified as MIA (Missing in Action) when the walls were constructed in 1982. They are listed in chronological order. When a visitor looks upon the wall, his or her reflection can be seen simultaneously with the engraved names, which is meant to symbolically bring the past and present together.

The Language of Heraldry Heraldic Colors: Yellow or Gold - Generosity White or Silver - Peace & Sincerity Black - Constancy (& sometimes Grief) Blue - Loyalty & Truthfulness Red - Military Fortitude & Magnanimity Green - Hope, Joy & sometimes Loyalty Purple - Royal Majesty, Sovereignty & Justice Heraldic Symbols: Axe - Dutiful Crescent - Enlightenment Crosses - Christian sentiments Crown - Authority Fire - Zeal Flaming Heart - Passion Hand - Faith, Sincerity & Justice Heart - Sincerity Horns & Antlers - Fortitude Lightning - Decisiveness Moon - Serenity Oyster Shell - Traveler Scepter - Justice Star - Nobility Sun - Glory Sword - Warlike Tower or Castle - Fortitude & Protectiveness Heraldic Animals: Bear - Protectiveness Bee - Industriousness Camel - Perseverance Dog - Loyalty Double Eagle & Eagle - Leadership & Decisiveness Dragon - Defender of Treasure Falcon or Hawk - Eagerness Fox - Cleverness Griffin (part eagle, part lion) - Bravery Horse - Readiness to Serve Lion - Courage Pelican - Generosity & Devotion Snake - Ambition Stag, Elk or Deer - Peace & Harmony Tiger - Fierceness & Valor Unicorn - Extreme courage Wolf - Constant Vigilance