Books in Patriotic Symbols of America series

In September of 1814, the United States was a relatively young country engaged in a war with the most powerful nation of the time, Great Britain. A British fleet launched a devastating overnight bombardment of the American fort that defended Baltimore harbor. As the sun rose the next morning, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key who had observed the battle saw that the American flag was still flying. Inspired, he wrote a poem that would later be set to music as The Star-Spangled Bannerour national anthem. Today, The Star-Spangled Banner is often performed before sporting events and other public functions. The national anthem is an important patriotic symbol because it reminds us about a critical moment in American history, and how our flagwhich represents American democracy and valueshas continued to fly proudly despite all attacks and outside pressures.

In 1836, a small group of Texan settlers fighting for their freedom from Mexico fortified an old Spanish mission near the village of San Antonio de Bxar. Surrounded and badly outnumbered by a larger Mexican army, the defenders of the Alamo vowed to fight rather than surrender. Their sacrifice allowed other Texans the opportunity to organize and prepare their army to face the Mexicans, and win freedom for Texas at the Battle of San Jacinto six weeks later. Today the Alamo remains a shrine to liberty, and a symbol of courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

If you watch the majestic American bald eagle fly above the treetops, its easy to see why it stands for freedom and strength in the United States. As the national emblem, its seen on government buildings and documents, and is often used to symbolize national pride. Readers learn how the American bald eagle came to be the national bird of the United States and the many ways its image is used. Full-color photographs of the American bald eagle highlight its fierce beauty. A timeline guides readers through its creation as a national symbol.

This 555-foot high marble obelisk is an imposing presence on the National Mall, much as George Washington was an imposing presence during his time as president and now in our nation's history. From its inception to its current renovations, inquisitive readers will learn how and when the monument was built, and what happened when the project ran out of money. Eye-catching photographs show the inside and the outside of the monument. Readers will surely be motivated to put a visit to the monument on their wish lists.

Most Americans know the famous words and tune of The Star-Spangled Banner. Our national anthem was born from one mans experience during war and continues to remind us of the perseverance and strength of the United States. The symbolism of the national anthem is palpable in the story of Francis Scott Keys experience at Fort McHenry. Readers learn the story of Keys immortal words through engaging historical content. Full-color images show the events of the book, and a concluding timeline guides readers through those happenings step-by-step.

The most famous address in Washington, D.C., is 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The White House has been the home and the office of our country's presidents since 1792; only George Washington never lived there. The house has four main purposes. The East Wing is the home to the First Family. The President and staff have offices in the West Wing. Foreign heads of state are greeted here. Displays of items collected by each president serve as a history museum. Readers join a tour of the Executive Mansion as they read, growing to understand this symbol of freedom and democracy.

The presidential seal is one of the most respected symbols of the United States. It authenticates documents signed by the president and is seen on the presidential flag. The story behind this important image dates back to the day the United States declared its independence. Readers learn what the design means while following along with a short timeline that guides them through significant dates in the seals past. Historical images and full-color photographs engage readers eyes along with their minds.