The word that best describes most of the literature swirling around the United States symbols is probably patriotic.
National Motto (original) | E Pluribus Unum (“One Out of Many”) |
National Motto #2 | In God We Trust |
National Anthem | “Star-Spangled Banner” |
National March | “The Stars and Stripes Forever” |
Oath of Allegiance | Pledge of Allegiance |
National Flower | rose |
National Tree | oak |
National Bird | bald eagle |
National Mammal | bison |

Citizens who died in wars ranging from the American Revolution to Iraq died for their flag, even if they didn’t have a clue what they were fighting for. Every year, millions of school children obediently stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Adults attending sporting events—often held in tax-subsidized stadiums—similarly stand for the “Star-Spangled Yawner.”
Why do we have two national mottoes? And why is one of them a religious motto when we’re supposedly guaranteed freedom of religion (which includes freedom from religion)? Do I smell a conspiracy?
Even some of the mainstream media whores who ridicule conspiracy theory talk about a national square dance conspiracy. The chief conspirator was supposedly Henry Ford.
As you have probably guessed by now, my book isn’t like the others. Though I love our original national motto (E Pluribus Unum), I’m not a big fan of most U.S. national symbols. My book is a mixture of facts, theories, and opinions, spiced with a lot of irreverence.
U.S. Symbols will hopefully be published by the end of September, 2022. It may not be politically correct enough for mainstream booksellers, so it might be available only via my websites.
Above, Left: Great Seal of the U.S.; Above, Right: Reverse of Great Seal (a major conspiracy theory icon); Right: U.S Coat of Arms |