Before you read

Discuss

1. Why do you think the flag, the bald eagle, and Uncle Sam are symbols of the United States?

2. Do you know the meaning of patri- in English or another language? Have you heard people refer to their native country as their fatherland or motherland? What does this suggest about people's feelings for their country?

3. Who were the opposing sides in the American Revolution and the Civil War?

Guess

Try to answer the questions. Then look for the answers in the reading.

1. Whose signature is the biggest and fanciest on the Declaration of Independence? Check (Ö) one:

____ Benjamin Franklin ____ John Hancock ____ George Washington

2. What is the national bird of the U.S.? Check (Ö) one:

____ the turkey ____ the bald eagle ____ the robin

Four Patriotic Holidays

Why Patriotism?

The Scottish author Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) wrote a famous poem called "Love of Country." It begins with this question: "Breathes there the man, with soul so dead / Who never to himself hath said: / 'This is my own, my native land....''' At the end of the poem, Scott predicts that a man who does not love his country will die "unwept, un­honored, and unsung."

Patriotism is encouraged, expected, and commonplace worldwide. Why? Love of country seems to serve the needs of nations as well as their individual citizens. After all in order to survive, a nation needs loyal citizens who will support and defend its inter­ests until death if necessary. On the other side of the coin, citizens need to feel linked to an honorable and enduring nation. Holidays that celebrate a nation's birth, military victories, significant accomplishments, and great leaders make people feel proud of their national heritage. Patriotic holidays are also occasions for telling the nation's "story" to the next generation and to new immigrants. In the U.S.A., national memories give a multi-ethnic nation a common culture.

In February, Americans celebrate the greatness of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Four other patriotic holidays span the year from spring through late fall. Memo­rial Day was inspired by the Civil War and Veterans Day by World War I. The two other patriotic holidays-Independence Day and Flag Day-are related to the American Rev­olution and the birth of the U.S.

Check your comprehension.

What are some reasons why countries have patriotic holidays?

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