A symbol is something that stands for something else. American symbols remind us of our country's story and values.
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The American Flag
13 stripes = the 13 original colonies
50 stars = the 50 states today
Colors: Red (bravery), White (purity), Blue (justice)
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The Statue of Liberty
A gift from France. Her torch represents freedom.
She welcomed millions of people coming to America.
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The Bald Eagle
Our national bird. Eagles are strong and free.
Fun fact: Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey instead!
"But they that wait upon Yahuah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles." - Isaiah 40:31
Draw It!
Draw the American flag in the space below. Count the stripes carefully!
Family Activity
2The Pledge of Allegiance
The Words
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
What Do the Words Mean?
Important Words
Pledge: A promise
Allegiance: Loyalty
Republic: A country where people choose leaders
Under God: Added in 1954 - America recognizes God!
Indivisible: Cannot be divided
Liberty: Freedom
Justice: Fairness for everyone
Think About It
The Pledge says "one nation under God." This reminds us that America was founded by people who believed in Yahuah!
True freedom comes from following Yahuah's ways.
Write About It
What does "liberty" (freedom) mean to you?
Family Activity
3Thanksgiving
The First Thanksgiving
In 1620, a group called the Pilgrims came to America on a ship called the Mayflower. They wanted to worship Yahuah freely!
The Pilgrims' Story
They left England because they couldn't worship freely
The first winter was very hard - many died
Native Americans (the Wampanoag) helped them grow food
In fall 1621, they had a feast to thank Yahuah
"O give thanks unto Yahuah; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever." - Psalm 136:1
The Real Meaning
Thanksgiving is about thanking Yahuah for His blessings - not just eating turkey!
The Pilgrims thanked God even after a very hard year. We should thank Yahuah in good times AND hard times.
I Am Thankful For...
Write 5 things you thank Yahuah for:
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Family Activity
4Independence Day (July 4th)
Why We Celebrate
On July 4, 1776, America declared independence from England. This means America became its own country!
The Declaration of Independence
This important paper said:
"All men are created equal"
We have rights from our Creator (that's Yahuah!)
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
"Where the Spirit of Yahuah is, there is liberty." - 2 Corinthians 3:17
Did You Know?
The Declaration says our rights come from our Creator - not from the government!
The Founders knew that true freedom comes from Yahuah.
Complete the Sentence
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created ____________."
Our rights come from our _____________ (Creator).
Family Activity
5George Washington
The Father of Our Country
Born: February 22, 1732
Led the American army in the Revolutionary War
First President of the United States
Called "The Father of Our Country"
Washington's Faith
What Washington Said
"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."
Washington believed America needed Yahuah's guidance!
Character Traits
Honest: Known for telling the truth
Brave: Led soldiers in dangerous battles
Humble: Gave up power when he could have kept it
Faithful: Trusted in Yahuah
Character Question
Washington was known for being honest. Why is honesty important?
Family Activity
6Abraham Lincoln
The Great Emancipator
Born: February 12, 1809 in a log cabin
16th President of the United States
Ended slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation
Led America through the Civil War
Lincoln's Faith
What Lincoln Said
"I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."
Lincoln prayed to Yahuah during the hardest times!
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free... for you are all one in Messiah Yahusha." - Galatians 3:28
Why Lincoln Is Important
Lincoln believed that all people are created equal - just like the Bible teaches. He worked to free enslaved people because he knew it was wrong for one person to own another.
Think About It
Lincoln grew up poor in a log cabin but became President. What can we learn from this?
Family Activity
7More American Heroes
Harriet Tubman
Escaped slavery and helped hundreds of others escape through the Underground Railroad.
She trusted Yahuah to guide her through danger!
Squanto
A Native American who helped the Pilgrims survive. He taught them to plant corn and catch fish.
He had learned English and became friends with the Pilgrims.
Betsy Ross
According to tradition, she sewed the first American flag!
She was a member of a church and known for her faith.
"Be strong and of good courage." - Joshua 1:9
What Makes a Hero?
A hero is someone who is brave, helps others, and does what's right. Write about someone you think is a hero:
Family Activity
8Review: Our American Story
What We Learned
Key Ideas
American symbols remind us of our country's story
The Pilgrims came to worship Yahuah freely
The Declaration says our rights come from our Creator
Many American heroes trusted in Yahuah
All people are created equal
"Blessed is the nation whose Elohim is Yahuah." - Psalm 33:12
Match the Symbol
Draw a line to match:
13 stripes 50 states
50 stars original colonies
Bald eagle freedom
Statue of Liberty national bird
What I Learned
The most important thing I learned about America is: