As children learn in this unit, there is much to take pride in—and celebrate—as American citizens. Our holidays, monuments, national symbols, and songs offer us a chance to reflect on important people, places, and events in our nation’s history. Keeping these icons close to our heart helps Americans maintain pride in this country that many have fought to protect.  

What Primary Sources Can Tell Us about America, the Beautiful

Many American icons, images, and symbols qualify as primary sources.

• Written forms – Patriotic songs, the Pledge of Allegiance, and official historic documents such as the Declaration of Independence remind us of the reasons that this country was formed.
• Physical artifacts – Our country’s flag, the Statue of Liberty, Liberty Bell, national monuments such as Mount Rushmore, and the presidential seal are tangible symbols we use to represent our nation.
• Images – Drawings and photographs of past presidents, films of national holiday celebrations, paintings of famous historic events, and depictions of the bald eagle and other national symbols help to keep this nation’s heritage alive.

 Primary Sources 

Photograph of the United States flag on the Moon

Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin next to the U.S. flag, photographed by Neil Armstrong on the surface of the moon

Buzz Aldrin and the U.S. flag on the Moon

On July 20, 1969, American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person ever to walk on the moon. “That’s one small step for a man,” he announced, “one giant leap for mankind.” Armstrong and fellow astronaut Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin planted a U.S. flag on the moon before leaving. Then Armstrong took a picture of Aldrin next to the flag. They also left a sign that reads: “Here Men from Planet Earth First Set Foot upon the Moon. July 1969 a.d. We Came In Peace For All Mankind.”

Apollo 11 boot print

 

 Background Information 

Where You Should NOT Find the American Flag

The Flag Code is the part of federal law that deals with flag etiquette – the proper ways to treat the American flag. The code lists the places that the flag can be flown or displayed. An American flag can be part of a ceremony during the unveiling of a statue or monument, but not as the cover for either. A flag can be used on a vehicle if it is on a staff, but it should not be draped over the hood, top, sides, or back of a car, train, or boat. A flag can also be displayed on a float if on a staff, but not as a decoration. Red, white, and blue bunting should be used instead. For more guidance on flag etiquette, see the Flag Act of the statutes of the United States, Section 173, Display and use of flag by civilians.

 

 Classroom Activity 

American Flag Scavenger Hunt 

1. Distribute a copy of the photograph of the 1969 moon landing to each child. (This can also be found on page 2 of your Primary Sources Handbook.) Ask the children if they know what the photograph shows. Once the children describe the photo accurately, ask them if they are surprised to see an American flag on the moon’s surface. Offer the children a few minutes to share their reactions.

2. Discuss with the children other places where they might find an American flag or a photograph of one. To help the children begin, you might show them a photograph of the astronauts who were part of the 1969, Apollo 11 crew: Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin Aldrin. Point out to the children that the astronauts’ uniforms have a United States flag on them.

3. Offer the children a couple of days to see how many other American flags they can spot, and to make a note (by drawing a picture) of where they see them. (Places where children may see a flag can include their school; outside a post office; on sheet music for patriotic songs; at ballgames; and on the uniforms of some military personnel, firefighters, police officers, and members of patriotic organizations, as well as on other types of clothing.) If you like, turn this challenge into a contest by offering a prize to the child who winds up with the longest list of flag locations.

4. To extend the activity, have the class select another American symbol, such as the Statue of Liberty, bald eagle, or Liberty Bell, and have the children see how many different places they can spot this symbol, too.