AMERICAN SYMBOLS

       The American flag is often called «The Stars and Stripes», it is also called «Old Glory». It represents the growth of the nation. It has 13 horizontal stripes, 7 red and 6 white which stand for the original 13 states. In the top left hand comer there are 50 white stars on a blue background: one star for each state. The national anthem of the United States is «The Star Spangled Banner». The words written during the Anglo- American war of 1812-1814 and set to the music of an old song. Every state has its own flag, its own emblem and its own an­them too.

       The eagle became the national emblem of the country in 1782. It has an olive branch (a symbol of peace) and arrows (a symbol of strength). You can see the eagle on the back of a dollar bill.

       The Statue of Liberty is the symbol of American democra­cy. It stands on Liberty Island in New York. It is one of the first things people see when they arrive in New York by sea. This National Monument was a present from France to the USA. France gave the statue to America in 1886 as a symbol of friendship. Liberty carries the torch of freedom — in her right hand. In her left hand she is holding a tablet with the inscription «July 4, 1776» — American Independence Day.

QUESTIONS:

1. How do people often call American flag?
2. What are the colours of the American flag?
3. How many stripes has the flag got?
4. What is the national emblem?
5. Where is the statue of Liberty placed?
6. What country presented the statue to the USA?

VOCABULARY:

to represent — представлять

background — фон

anthem — гимн

eagle — орел

olive branch — оливковая веточка

to arrive — прибывать

torch — факел