The United States used to be revered as one of the “best” countries—known mainly for its wealth and power. Over time, we became known for much more than our material advances and authoritarianism; we are respected for our impressive education system, solution-seeking psychology, altruism, beautiful national parks, and innovative advances in technology.
Here are some of America’s most proud historical moments and entertaining fun facts:
INDIVIDUALISM
The United States of America is the fourth largest country in the world, and the third most populated—with over 326 million citizens. It falls somewhere in the middle in terms of diversity. That said, it’s always allowed freedom of religion, is much more inclusive of women than many other countries, and encourages free-spirited individualism.
EXPLORATION
The U.S. boasts putting the first man on the moon. Apollo 11 blasted off July 16, 1969, and four days later, Neil Armstrong became the first to step foot on the lunar surface—alongside Edwin Aldrin. The two walked around for nearly three hours and planted a U.S. flag on the moon. The third accompanying astronaut, Michael Collins, stayed in orbit, photographing and taking experiments.
EXPRESSIONISM
Poet Francis Scott Key said that the National Anthem’s lyrics of the “star spangled banner” was the first time that anyone had put into words their feelings about the country.
STATUE OF LIBERTY
The Statue of Liberty, one of the country’s most iconic and imposing figures, is located at Ellis Island in New York. She stands at 111 feet and six inches (305 feet and six inches from the statue’s base) and weighs approximately 225 tons. The torch she carries represents lighting the way to shore and guiding Americans home; it was layered with 24 karat gold during the statue’s 1986 restoration. The tablet in her other hand represents the Declaration of Independence, which is inscribed with the document’s signed date: July 4, 1776. The crown on her head has seven rays, representing the globe’s seven continents. Chains that tangle Liberty’s feet symbolize shackles of oppression, which the country has overcome with unity. Visitors must walk up a spiral staircase with 154 steps to reach the lookout placed in her face.
NATURAL BEAUTY
The tallest mountain in the world, measured top-to-bottom, is surprisingly Hawaii’s Mauna Kea. Although it’s only 13,796 feet above sea level (compared to Mount Everest which is 29,028 feet), if measured from the seafloor, it towers an astounding 32,000 feet high. There are amazing national parks to visit as well!
HISTORICAL EDUCATION
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is the most-visited museum in the U.S., bringing in an average of 9 million visitors each year. It’s the second most-visited in the world and contains the largest collection of historic air and spacecraft artifacts found anywhere. As a whole, the Smithsonian Institution is comprised of 19 diverse museums that brought in an estimated total of 30.2 million visitors in 2016.
GOOD EATS
The U.S. may not be the most healthy country in the world, which isn’t exactly something to be proud of...but, then again, our average daily consumption of 100 acres of pizza is pretty dang impressive. Yum!
THE NATIONAL EMBLEM
The country’s national emblem is the bald eagle, which was chosen in June 1782. Because of its long life, strength, and striking aesthetic, the eagle represents persistence, faith, and national pride. According to Maude M. Grant, a battle in the Revolution awoke sleeping eagles, causing them to circle over the heads of fighting men. Apparently patriots claimed the eagles were “shrieking for freedom,” thus serving as a symbol of liberty. Oddly enough, Benjamin Franklin had a qualm with the eagle, calling it a “bird of bad moral character” and expressing that he wished the turkey had been chosen instead: “The turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America.” He went on to say that the turkey is a “bird of courage.”
GOVERNMENT GATHERINGS
The Pentagon is the largest office building in the world, by area. Hosting 17-plus miles of corridors, the U.S. Pentagon has twice the space as the Empire State Building. Built in Arlington, Virginia in 1943, the Pentagon was originally created as the headquarters for the Department of Defense. Its construction cost $83 million at the time it was developed, which would now be equivalent to $1.32 billion. The name was derived from “penta”, which translates to five, because it’s laid out with five sides, five floors, a five-acre plaza, and five ring corridors.
CASH MONEY
The U.S. puts out the world’s largest economic output, according to World Economic Forum. And sadly in regards to happiness, the U.S. has been ranked 14th of 155 countries. That said, America has high hopes for progress. State leaders are increasing efforts to address human rights issues, improve women’s opportunities, and fight climate change.
FREEDOM
Under the First Amendment, you have the liberty to share anything you believe, think, and feel. Of course, people have the right to criticize you, but you have the ability to express yourself in ways that many countries don’t dare prompt. In this country, you can be whoever you want to be—whoever you were born as, and whoever you are at the core.
DEMOCRACY
In addition to the freedom of speech is the freedom of religion, the ability to express sexual orientation, the freedom to be a person of color or an immigrant…and we also have the freedom to vote. Everyone has a say in who their governmental leaders are. No matter your differences in appearance or beliefs or ideals, we are all considered equal here.
NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
The NPS was first put into place in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson, with the intention to protect our country’s most vast, natural lands. At the time there were 35 national parks and monuments managed by the Department of Interior, but today there are 59. When you bring into account National Scenic Trails, National Battlefields, National Reserves, etc. then the total multiplies to 417. The stunning national parks represent the freedom to explore wild, untouched places and be a part of the world in its most organic state. Over the last century, National Parks have woven themselves into the core fabric of American life, cumulatively bringing in an estimated 305 million people annually.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Universities in the United States are of high regard. According to a recent ranking from London-based Times Higher Education, 18 of the world’s best universities are in the U.S. A similar report from Academic Ranking of the World Universities, which is published annually by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, says 19 of the finest colleges and universities are located here. (Shocker, Harvard’s on top.)
GENEROSITY
According to the World Giving Index, the U.S. is among most likely countries to help strangers.
TECHNOLOGY
A lot of the modern inventions we so often take for granted nowadays came to fruition due to the hard work of U.S.-based inventors. Though it’s impossible to credit one sole person for the creation of the Internet, it’s safe to say the web as we know it was largely spearheaded in and by the United States. Considered one of the most innovative, convenient, incredible inventions known to humankind, the Internet is something worthy of a pat on the back.
OUR FLAG
While legend has it that Betsy Ross created the first American flag during the American Revolution, it turns out that’s a myth. The current 50-star and 13-stripe American flag is the outcome of many designs that evolved over the years. The colors of the flag also do not represent soldiers’ sacrifice. According to Charles Thomson, “White signifies purity and innocence. Red hardiness and valor. And blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.” There’s actually no historic writing ever stating the meaning behind the flag’s colors, but his statement is probably the closest explanation we have. Nevertheless, the flag always was—and will always be—an important sign of national pride and patriotism. The 50 stars represent 50 states, and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies. All of these locations are meant to be held in highest regard and honored as one single unit. Holding the right hand over one’s heart during the National Anthem, saluting it, and stating the Pledge of the Allegiance are all signs that you’re “Proud to be an American.”
