Preserving Liberty: Symbols That Still Stand

by Dena Bless
Apr. 27, 2026

[Editor’s Note: As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country and look to our Convention theme of Preserving Liberty, we’re doing a special series of blogs over several months about different aspects of the founding of our country.]

This week we look at some of the symbols that have helped form our nation.

National Bird

Did you know that the eagle was not the first choice as the symbol for our country by some of our founding fathers? Do you know which bird they wanted? (Hint: It might make you laugh!) 

• What are some of the ways and places it has been used to symbolize the US?

• Where can bald eagles be found besides North America?

• Have you ever seen one? Where might you have the best chance of viewing one in action?

• Look up eagles in the Bible. How might these verses have affected the founders in choosing the eagle as a symbol of our new country?

• Resources (some sites will have multiple pages):

• Bald Eagle (Veterans Affairs Home)

• A Hallowed Figure in American Art and Culture: the Bald Eagle (Architect of the Capitol)

• Soaring with Eagles (American Battlefield Trust)

• Bald Eagle – USA’s National Symbol (American Eagle Foundation)

• Celebrating Our National Bird: Eight Fun Facts About Bald Eagles (Defenders of Wildlife)

Flag

Every country has a flag to show people who they are and what they stand for. Our flag has gone through many changes from before the Revolutionary War to now. How much do you know about it?

• Do you think the stories about Betsy Ross are fact or fiction?

• Philosophical question: Does it matter? Do we sometimes need inspiring stories, even if all the facts may not be completely accurate?

• Should people be allowed to simply “debunk” a story, or should they have to have actual evidence to refute a tale? If there isn’t actual evidence either way, should there be a definitive statement made or just left for people to make their own choice?

• What do each of the colors mean?

• What do the stars stand for?

• Can you find pictures of how the flag changed as the nation grew?

• Get creative and make a flag using unique materials. (People have used buttons, bottlecaps, seashells, baseballs … what do you want to try?)

• What is proper etiquette for handling and flying our flag?

• Why is it used as an important part of the funeral service for someone who served in the armed forces?

• Resources (some sites will have multiple pages):

• The American Flag: Meaning, History and Proper Flag Etiquette (Wounded Warrior Project) – includes how to fold a flag and what each fold means

• Short History of the United States Flag (American Battlefield Trust)

• Banners of Liberty (Museum of the American Revolution)

• Flag Presentation Protocol Brochure

Liberty Bell

Bells have been used for proclamations, warnings, and gatherings for hundreds of years. Why is this one special?

• Is Liberty Bell the original name for this bell?

• What is the Scripture inscribed on it?

• How does it differ from the verse used for the logo of CHEA’s 2026 Parenting & Homeschool Convention? Do you think that was a good choice? Why or why not?

• What’s the Bicentennial Bell and where is it?

• Resources (some sites will have multiple pages)

• The Liberty Bell - Independence National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) - includes a link at the bottom of the page to Lesson Plans for different ages

• The Liberty Bell (USHistory.org)

• 10 fascinating facts about the Liberty Bell (National Constitution Center)

Celebrating with Fireworks and BBQ

Ever wonder why we celebrate the 4th of July the way we do? Is there something symbolic about launching fireworks, barbecuing, or eating watermelon?

• Is there significance to celebrating this way?

• What are some of your favorite 4th of July traditions in your family? Is there anything from your research that you want to try adding to your family’s celebration?

• Hopefully your day doesn’t look like this (the best part is the last minute and a half)!

• Resources

• Why Do We Celebrate July 4 With Fireworks? (History.com)

• Fourth of July: Independence Day Traditions (History.com)

• Letter from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, "Had a Declaration..." (Massachusetts Historical Society)

• History of Favorite Fourth of July Foods (Honest Cooking&Travel)

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Dena Bless is extremely grateful for the many freedoms we enjoy in our country. The freedom to homeschool her two daughters and raise them in the Lord was a tremendous blessing to their entire family. She loves being a part of CHEA, Preserving Liberty for families across the state, and encouraging the families to embrace it.