On
the front cover of the Farmer s' Almanac, the date of the beginning of this
publication was exactly 200 years ago: 1818! Looking in the index, I have an "Aha!" moment: “Symbols that immediately invoke a feeling of AMERICAN
NOSTALGIA.”
Since
February owns many special days, I turn to the article by Glenn Morris, p. 100
ff. “Americana” describes materials typically associated with our civilization,
our culture. Occasionally, the Super Quiz in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
poses questions under the title “Americana.” Now to the symbols.
1.
AMERICAN BALD EAGLE landed on The Great Seal of
the United States in 1782 despite Benjamin Franklin’s opinion that it was a
“bird of low moral character.” Secretary of Congress Thomas proposed it as the
central holder on the seal.
2.
APPLE PIE. Though apples are not exclusively
American––they came with the 17th century colonists––but pies shown
cooling on a windowsill during simpler times connotes American food better than
any other. Next would be fried chicken, and third, the hot dog.
3.
AMERICAN BISON. Between 1913-1938, the U.S. Mint
stamped the “Buffalo nickel” in an attempt to beautify coinage with American
themes. In 2016, President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act, which
joined the bison and the bald eagle as the two animals officially honored by
Congress.
4.
THE FLAG. Known variously as “Old Glory,” the
“Stars and Stripes,” and the “Star-Spangled Banner,” the flag was adopted on
June 14, 1777.
5.
FOURTH OF JULY PARADE. Where cities large and
small unite in pomp, circumstance, and celebration. Picnics and fireworks join
parades as must-dos.
6.
WHITE PICKET FENCE. From Colonial times, such a
fence was designed to keep children and chickens close. Soon, it came to
represent a middle-class American Dream—owning a home in a peaceful, suburban
area. It entered the pop culture lexicon with Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer.”
7.
NORMAN ROCKWELL’S ILLUSTRATIONS. His paintbrush
seemed to be on the pulse of America. Originally decried by the critics, his
work is loved by many and hung in myriad homes.
8.
THANKSGIVING. We celebrate faith, family, and
good fortune annually with those we love.
9.
UNCLE SAM. During the War of 1812, Samuel Wilson
worked with a government contractor, Elbert Anderson, to ship large quantities
of beef and other commodities to the soldiers overseas. The markings on the
crates were E.A.U.S. Soldiers knew that the goods were handled by Samuel Wilson
and began calling it “Uncle Sam’s beef.” The moniker stuck and now represents
U. S. property. The iconic photo of Uncle Sam pointing his finger at us, was
done by James M. Flagg using his own likeness.
10.
STATUE OF LIBERTY. Given to us by France to
represent the triumph of democracy and liberty, it was placed seaward of Ellis
Island to welcome new immigrants. It is a symbol of their new lives in America.
Thank
you, Glenn Morris.
c 2018 PL, dba lovepat press, Benton AR USA
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