European Culture 7 th Grade Social Studies

European Union Flag

Flag of the European Union The European flag is the symbol not only of the European Union but also of Europe's unity and identity in a wider sense. The European flag consists of 12 golden stars in a circle on a blue background. The stars symbolise the ideals of unity, solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe. The number of stars has nothing to do with the number of member countries, though the circle is a symbol of unity.

History of the E.U. Flag The history of the flag goes back to The Council of Europe - defending human rights and promoting European culture – adopted the present design for its own use.Council of Europe Over the following years the Council of Europe encouraged the emerging European institutions to adopt the flag as well. In 1983, the European Parliament adopted the flag. In 1985, it was adopted by all EU leaders as the official emblem of the European Union (called the European Communities at the time). All European institutions now use an emblem of their own.European Parliamentemblem

American Flag

Congress first approved the flag on June 14, This date is now observed as Flag Day throughout America. It was first stated that there be a star and stripe for each state, making thirteen of both. Over the years, the number of stars has been changed to include one star for each of the 50 states, while the stripes remained the same to represent the 13 original colonies. Later, the colors of the flag were given special meaning. The red is for valor and zeal - white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life - and blue, the color of heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth. The name "OLD GLORY" was given to our National Flag on August 10, The flag means the spirit of liberty and human freedom.

European Union Anthem Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Ode to Joy. For the final movement of this symphony, Beethoven set to music the "Ode to Joy" written in 1785 by Friedrich von Schiller.

U.S. National Anthem The Star Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States. The words are Francis Scott Key’s description of a War of 1812 Battle in Baltimore

E.U. National Holiday On the 9th of May 1950, Robert Schuman presented his proposal on the creation of an organized Europe, indispensable to maintaining peaceful relations. This proposal, known as the "Schuman Declaration", is considered to be the beginning of the creation of what is now the European Union

US National Holiday The Declaration of Independence of the 13 British colonies was signed on July 4, 1776 and is celebrated as the beginning of the United States of America as an independent nation

Motto “United in diversity” is the motto of the European Union. The motto means that, via the EU, Europeans are united in working together for peace and prosperity, and that the many different cultures, traditions, and languages in Europe are a positive asset for the continent

U.S. Motto “E pluribus unum” (Latin for “out of many, one” refers to the United States as a nation of immigrants from across the globe living together as a single nation.

E.U. Currency The Euro bank notes have color images of windows and doorways on the front symbolizing openness and transparency; the reverse has images of bridges symbolizing connectedness. As of Jan. 1, 2010, 17 out of 27 Member States will be using Euro currency

U.S. Currency US currency features national leaders on the front of notes, and prominent federal buildings and monuments on the reverse.