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Celebrating America ’s Freedoms is a collection of stories about some of America ’s most beloved customs and national symbols. Topics include the history of "Taps," the Pledge of Allegiance, gun salutes, the correct method for displaying and folding the American flag and many more. Educators, students and others should find this collection informative and helpful when researching or planning activities for national observances such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Flag Day.

Click here for information on downloading this collection as a PDF document.

The Origins of Veterans Day -- World War I ended on November 11, 1918. On the same date three years later an unknown soldier from that war was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. November 11 eventually became the date when America honors all who have served the United States in war. (Also available as a Word document.)

Activities for Veterans Day -- Teachers will find suggestions for various school activities and the outline for a program. (Also available as a Word document.) Even more Veterans Day information, including posters and a complete Teachers' Veterans Day Resource Guide, can be found by clicking here.

The United States Flag -- How "The Stars and Stripes" design has changed since 1776. (Also available as a Word document.)

The Pledge of Allegiance -- The words, and how they are delivered, have changed several times since 1892. (Also available as a Word document.)

"The Star-Spangled Banner" -- Francis Scott Key's poem and a British tune became the national anthem. (Also available as a Word document.)

"Old Glory" -- The story behind the affectionate name for the U.S. flag. (Also available as a Word document.)

The Origins of Flag Day -- The Continental Congress established the basic design of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, but many years passed before America officially observed National Flag Day. (Also available as a Word document.)

Guidelines for Display of the Flag -- Do's and Don'ts to correctly show respect for the national banner. (Also available as a Word document.)

Flying the American Flag at Half Staff -- When and how the flag is lowered to signify a national period of mourning. Download in (Also available as a Word document.)

Correct Method of Folding the United States Flag -- Word and diagram instructions on how to fold the flag into a triangular shape for presentation or display. (Also available as a Word document.)

The POW-MIA Flag -- The symbol of our nation's concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia. (Also available as a Word document.)

The American Bald Eagle -- This majestic bird was not a unanimous choice as America's national bird and symbol. (Also available as a Word document.)

The Origins of Memorial Day -- Since not long after America's Civil War, American service members who died in battle have been honored -- and their graves decorated -- in the springtime. (Also available as a Word document.)

The Flower of Remembrance -- Learn how a simple red flower came to symbolize a perpetual tribute to those who have given their lives for the nation's freedom. (Also available as a Word document.)

The Story of Taps -- Based on a French signal to end the soldier's day, the melancholy bugle call now is also heard at military burials and memorial services. (Also available as a Word document.)

Arlington National Cemetery -- America's best known national cemetery still buries service members and some veterans. (Also available as a Word document.)

Gun Salutes -- From visiting naval vessels saluting the host country to rifle volleys at a military funeral, the ceremonial firing of guns is a centuries-old tradition of showing honor and respect. (Also available as a Word document.)

The Seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs -- The elements in VA's official seal symbolize the department's mission of serving America's 25 million living veterans and honoring the memory of those who served before them. (Also available as a Word document.)

The Origin of the VA Motto -- VA's motto comes directly from one of President Abraham Lincoln's most famous speeches. (Also available as a Word document.)

National Cemeteries -- The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains national cemeteries throughout the country for the burial of veterans of America's armed forces, their spouses and young children. (Also available as a Word document.)

Military Songs Inspire Troops, Preserve Tradition -- VA's motto comes directly from one of President Abraham Lincoln's most famous speeches. (Also available as a Word document.)


The complete Celebrating America's Freedoms collection
may also be downloaded as a PDF document here. Please note that the PDF version differs slightly from the above pages due to layout and printing considerations.

PDF File Documents
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