USCIS 128:127. What is Memorial Day?

OpenAI. (2026).   What is Memorial Day?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Memorial Day is a national holiday that honors American soldiers and military members who died while serving the United States.  The holiday remembers people who gave their lives during wars, military conflicts, and military service.

Memorial Day is observed every year on the last Monday in May.

Many Americans visit cemeteries, monuments, and memorials to honor fallen service members.  People often place flowers and American flags on graves at military cemeteries such as Arlington National Cemetery.

The holiday began after the American Civil War, one of the deadliest wars in American history.  During the Civil War, more than 600,000 soldiers died fighting for the Union or the Confederacy.

After the war, communities across the country began decorating the graves of soldiers with flowers to honor the dead.  Because of this tradition, the holiday was first called Decoration Day.

In 1868, General John A. Logan called for a national day to decorate the graves of Union soldiers.  That same year, a large Decoration Day ceremony took place at Arlington National Cemetery.  Children, veterans, and families placed flowers on the graves of soldiers who died during the Civil War.  At that time, Arlington National Cemetery had once been the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

Over time, the holiday expanded to honor all American military members who died in service, not only Civil War soldiers.

Memorial Day later honored Americans who died during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq after the September 11 attacks.

In 1971, Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May.  Many towns and cities hold parades, ceremonies, concerts, and memorial events.  Veterans groups, military organizations, scouts, schools, and community groups often participate in these ceremonies.

Many Americans also visit memorials such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial.  American flags are often flown at half-staff during part of the day to honor the dead.  At 3:00 p.m., many Americans observe a National Moment of Remembrance to pause and honor fallen military members.

Memorial Day is different from Veterans Day.  Veterans Day honors all people who served in the U.S. military, while Memorial Day specifically honors those who died during military service.   

Memorial Day is also different from Armed Forces Day.  Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May to honor all active-duty military personnel currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Both occur during National Military Appreciation Month.

For many Americans, Memorial Day is both a day of remembrance and a time for family gatherings, picnics, sporting events, and community celebrations.  The holiday is often considered the unofficial beginning of summer in the United States.  However, the main purpose of Memorial Day is to remember the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military who died protecting the country and defending American freedoms.

USCIS 128:126. Name three national U.S. holidays.

OpenAI. (2026).    Name three national U.S. holidays.   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The United States has several important national holidays. National holidays are special days recognized by the federal government to remember important people, historical events, traditions, and values in American history.  Some holidays celebrate freedom, democracy, and independence. Others honor workers, veterans, presidents, civil rights leaders, or religious traditions.

Many federal employees receive time off on national holidays, and schools, banks, post offices, and government offices may close.

One national holiday is New Year's Day, celebrated on January 1st.  New Year’s Day marks the beginning of a new calendar year. Many people celebrate with parties, fireworks, music, and countdowns at midnight.

Another important holiday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  This holiday honors Martin Luther King Jr., who fought for civil rights, equality, and nonviolent social change during the Civil Rights Movement.  Dr. King is remembered for his “I Have a Dream” speech and his work to end segregation and racial discrimination.  Many Americans use Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day of community service and volunteer work.

Presidents Day, also called Washington’s Birthday, honors American presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  George Washington helped lead the United States during the American Revolutionary War and became the country’s first president.  Abraham Lincoln helped preserve the Union during the American Civil War and helped end slavery through the Emancipation Proclamation.

Memorial Day honors American military members who died while serving the country.  The holiday began after the Civil War and became a national day of remembrance.  Many people visit cemeteries, place flowers and American flags on graves, attend ceremonies, and honor fallen soldiers.

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.  Juneteenth remembers June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation.  The holiday became an official federal holiday in 2021.  Juneteenth celebrations often include music, food, parades, educational events, and celebrations of African American history and culture.

In recent years, many museums, libraries, schools, and civic organizations have connected Juneteenth with Civic Season, a national program that runs from Juneteenth to Independence Day.  Civic Season encourages young people and communities to learn about American history, democracy, civil rights, citizenship, and the meaning of freedom between Juneteenth and Independence Day.

Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 4th.  The holiday honors the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776 and celebrates American independence from Great Britain.  Many Americans celebrate with fireworks, concerts, parades, sporting events, and barbecues.  Independence Day is sometimes called the country’s birthday.

Labor Day honors American workers and their contributions to the country.  The holiday began during the labor movement of the late 1800s, when workers fought for safer working conditions, better pay, and shorter work hours.  Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September and is often seen as the unofficial end of summer.

Columbus Day remembers the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492.  Some Americans celebrate the holiday as part of Italian American heritage and history.  However, some states and communities instead celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor Native American cultures, histories, and contributions.

Veterans Day honors all people who served in the U.S. military.  The holiday is celebrated on November 11th because World War I fighting ended on that date in 1918.  Unlike Memorial Day, which honors military members who died in service, Veterans Day honors all veterans, living and deceased.  Many communities hold parades, ceremonies, and programs to thank veterans for their service.

Thanksgiving is celebrated in November.  The holiday is connected to early colonial history and traditions of giving thanks.  Families and friends gather to share meals and express gratitude.  Traditional foods often include turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.  Many people also watch football games or volunteer to help people in need during Thanksgiving.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is also widely celebrated as a cultural holiday.  Many people decorate homes and Christmas trees, exchange gifts, attend church services, and spend time with family and friends.  Christmas traditions in the United States come from many different cultures and immigrant communities.

These national holidays reflect important parts of American history, democracy, religion, labor, military service, immigration, civil rights, and cultural traditions.  Throughout American history, holidays have also helped bring communities together during times of celebration, remembrance, and national unity.

Today, many holidays include parades, ceremonies, concerts, fireworks, community festivals, family gatherings, and displays of the American flag.

USCIS 128:125. What is Independence Day?

OpenAI. (2026).   What is Independence Day?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

Independence Day is a national holiday that celebrates the independence of the United States from Great Britain.

Many Americans also call Independence Day the country’s birthday because it celebrates the beginning of the United States as an independent nation.

Before independence, the 13 American colonies were controlled by Great Britain.

During the 1700s, many colonists became unhappy with British taxes and laws. They believed they should have more self-government and representation in the British Parliament.  In 1775, fighting began between the colonies and Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War.

On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence by approving the Lee Resolution.  Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the United States Declaration of Independence, mainly written by Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration announced that the colonies were free and independent from British rule.  The document also explained important ideas about liberty, equality, natural rights, and self-government.  One famous line says that “all men are created equal” and are born with rights such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

On July 8, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was publicly read for the first time in Philadelphia. Bells rang throughout the city, including the famous Liberty Bell.  The first anniversary of independence was celebrated on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia with speeches, concerts, military salutes, bonfires, and fireworks.

On July 4, 1801, President Thomas Jefferson hosted the first Independence Day celebration at the White House.

On July 4, 1826, the 50th anniversary of independence, former presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day.

During the 1800s, Independence Day became an important patriotic holiday across the growing United States.

However, many Americans also pointed out that the ideals of freedom and equality were not fully shared by everyone. Women could not vote, many Native Americans were excluded from political rights, and millions of African Americans remained enslaved.  Abolitionists argued that the promises of the Declaration of Independence should apply to enslaved African Americans.

During the American Civil War, Americans connected Independence Day to preserving the Union and expanding freedom.  After President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, many Americans more strongly connected Independence Day with ending slavery and expanding liberty.

During the nation’s Centennial celebration in 1876, women’s rights activists presented the “Declaration of the Rights of Women” outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia.  The suffragists argued that the ideals of freedom and equality in the Declaration of Independence should also apply to women.

In 1938, Congress changed Independence Day into a paid federal holiday for all federal employees.

During the Civil Rights Movement, leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. argued that the promises of freedom and equality in the Declaration of Independence should apply equally to all Americans.

On July 4, 1960, the new 50-star American flag was flown for the first time at Fort McHenry after Hawaii became the 50th state.

Today, Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 4th across the United States.  Communities celebrate with fireworks, concerts, parades, sporting events, festivals, barbecues, and community gatherings. The American flag is displayed widely, and patriotic songs such as The Star-Spangled Banner are often performed.

Many naturalization ceremonies for new citizens are also held on or near Independence Day because the holiday celebrates democracy, citizenship, and American ideals.

Today, the Civic Season, observed  between Juneteenth (June 19) and Independence Day (July 4), is an emerging annual initiative to learn American history, build civic skills, and participate in community activities.  Together, both holidays celebrate the founding of the United States and the continuing effort to protect freedom, equality, democracy, and self-government.

USCIS 128:124. The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?

OpenAI. (2026).   The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” This Latin phrase means “Out of many, one” or “We all become one.” The motto explains the idea that many different states, people, and cultures joined together to form one united country.

The phrase was chosen during the founding of the United States after the American Revolutionary War.  At that time, the United States began as 13 separate colonies that became the first states.

Although the colonies had different economies, religions, traditions, and cultures, they united together to create one nation independent from Great Britain.  The words “E Pluribus Unum” became an important symbol of national unity and cooperation between the states.

The motto first appeared in 1776 on the Great Seal of the United States. The Great Seal is an official symbol used by the federal government on important documents, passports, treaties, and government materials.

The seal includes an American bald eagle holding arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other. A ribbon in the eagle’s beak contains the words “E Pluribus Unum.”  The eagle symbolizes strength and freedom. The arrows represent readiness to defend the nation, while the olive branch represents peace.

The original meaning of the motto referred mainly to the states joining together into one Union.  Later, as the United States expanded westward and new states entered the country, the motto continued to represent the growing Union.

Over time, many Americans also began connecting the motto to the many different people who came to live in the United States.  Immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and many other parts of the world helped shape American society, culture, language, food, music, science, business, and government. Because of this diversity, many Americans view “E Pluribus Unum” as a symbol of unity among people from many different backgrounds, religions, races, and cultures.

The motto became especially important during difficult periods in American history.

During the American Civil War, many Americans used the idea of “Out of many, one” to support preserving the Union when the country was divided.  President Abraham Lincoln often spoke about preserving the Union and keeping the United States together as one nation.  After the Civil War, the motto continued to symbolize reunification and national unity.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, millions of immigrants entered the United States through places such as Ellis Island.  For many Americans, “E Pluribus Unum” represented the idea that immigrants from many countries could become part of one American nation while still bringing different traditions and experiences.

During both World Wars, patriotic symbols such as the flag, the Great Seal, and national mottos became important symbols of unity and national identity.

Later, during the Civil Rights Movement, some Americans connected the motto to the struggle for equality and inclusion for all citizens.  Civil rights leaders argued that the United States should fully live up to its ideals of equality, freedom, and unity for people of all races and backgrounds.

Today, “E Pluribus Unum” can still be seen on U.S. coins, government seals, official documents, military insignia, and public buildings.

In 1956, the United States adopted another official national motto: “In God We Trust.” However, “E Pluribus Unum” remains one of the country’s most important historical mottos and national symbols.

Many Americans continue to view the phrase as a symbol of unity, cooperation, diversity, immigration, democracy, and national identity.  The motto reminds Americans that although people may come from many different places and backgrounds, they can still work together as one nation.

USCIS 128:123. What is the name of the national anthem?

OpenAI. (2026).   What is the name of the national anthem?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

A national anthem is an official patriotic song that represents a country and its people. 

The name of the national anthem of the United States is The Star-Spangled Banner.  In 1931, Congress officially declared “The Star-Spangled Banner” to be the national anthem of the United States, and President Herbert Hoover signed the law.

“The Star-Spangled Banner” was written during the War of 1812.  During the war, British forces attacked Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1814.

American lawyer Francis Scott Key watched the battle from a nearby British ship while trying to negotiate the release of an American prisoner.  Throughout the night, British warships bombarded the fort with rockets and cannons. Francis Scott Key could only see flashes of light during the battle.

Early the next morning, he saw that the large American flag was still flying above the fort. This showed that the Americans had successfully defended Fort McHenry.  The sight of the flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem called “Defence of Fort M'Henry.”

The flag flying above the fort later became known as the Star-Spangled Banner. At that time, the American flag had 15 stars and 15 stripes because Vermont and Kentucky had joined the Union.  The large flag was made by Mary Pickersgill and other workers in Baltimore.

Later, Francis Scott Key’s poem was set to music using the tune of a popular song. Over time, Americans began singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” during patriotic celebrations, military ceremonies, and national events.

The song became especially important during the American Civil War and later wars because it symbolized national unity, survival, and patriotism.

The anthem has four official verses, although most Americans today usually sing only the first verse.

The first verse describes Francis Scott Key watching the battle at Fort McHenry and seeing the American flag still flying after the attack. It celebrates the survival of the United States during war.

One famous line from the first verse says:

“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

The second verse describes the battle continuing through the night. It focuses on the dangers of war and praises the courage of the American defenders.

The third verse celebrates the American victory over the British attack and thanks the defenders who protected the country. However, the third verse also contains language criticizing the enemy during wartime. Because of this language and its historical connections to slavery and race, some modern Americans debate whether all parts of the song should continue to be celebrated today.

The fourth verse focuses on religion, freedom, and national unity. It thanks God for protecting the nation and expresses hope that the United States will continue to survive and remain free.

During the 1800s, some later writers created additional verses inspired by the anthem. One important later version is sometimes called the “abolitionist fifth verse.”

This unofficial verse was written by American abolitionists before the Civil War. Abolitionists were people who worked to end slavery in the United States.  One writer connected to these patriotic anti-slavery versions was Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., although several writers created different versions during the 1800s.  These abolitionist versions changed the meaning of the anthem from celebrating only a military victory to also supporting freedom and equality for all people.

Some abolitionists connected the American flag and the phrase “land of the free” with the struggle to end slavery. They argued that the United States could not truly be free while millions of African Americans remained enslaved.

During the Civil War, many Union supporters connected the anthem to preserving the Union and ending slavery.

After President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, patriotic symbols such as the flag and the anthem became more strongly connected with the cause of freedom and emancipation.

Later, during the Civil Rights Movement, civil rights leaders again connected the promises of the American flag and patriotic songs with the struggle for equal rights.

Leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. argued that the ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy should apply to all Americans regardless of race.

Many civil rights activists believed the words “land of the free” should include African Americans who still faced segregation and discrimination.

During marches, protests, and public events, activists often sang patriotic songs, spirituals, and freedom songs to connect the Civil Rights Movement to the broader ideals of American democracy.

Because of this history, many Americans today view “The Star-Spangled Banner” as both a patriotic symbol and part of the continuing struggle to expand freedom and equality in the United States.  These debates show how national symbols can change over time as different generations interpret American ideals in new ways.

Today, the anthem is played at sporting events, military ceremonies, government events, schools, and national holidays such as Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day.

Many people stand respectfully, remove their hats, and place their hands over their hearts while the anthem is played.  These celebrations of freedom show how Americans stand united as one people despite their many differences.

2025-2026 MAE Citizenship Class 32

Tonight my students and I are CASAS testing!  There is no instruction

You can learn more about the CASAS California Citizenship Preparation program by watching this video by Portia La Ferala (CASAS Citizenship specialist) or by reviewing my presentation below.

Just in case you would like to have your students practice and familiarize themselves with the upcoming post-test, here is the link to the CASAS eTests Samplers, which contain sample test items for Reading and Listening STEPS. There are no practice tests for the CASAS Citizenship Assessments.

 

CASAS-SI 2025: CASAS Assessments for Citizenship Preparation

google slides | pdf

USCIS 128:122. Why does the flag have 50 stars?

OpenAI. (2026).   Why does the flag have 50 stars?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The flag of the United States has 50 stars because there are 50 states in the country.

Each star on the flag represents one state. The stars show that all 50 states are united together as one nation.

The stars appear in the blue part of the flag, called the union.

When the United States first became independent during the American Revolutionary War, the country had 13 original states.

In 1777, the Continental Congress passed the Flag Act of 1777, which created the first official American flag.

The law stated:

“the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

The 13 stars represented the 13 original states united together in a new nation. The phrase “new constellation” symbolized the creation of a new independent country among the nations of the world.

As the United States expanded westward and new states joined the Union, Congress added additional stars to the flag.

The number of stars changed many times during American history. At different times, the flag had 15 stars, 20 stars, 48 stars, 49 stars, and eventually 50 stars.

In 1795, Congress approved a flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes after Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union.

Later, Congress realized that adding more stripes would make the flag difficult to design as the country continued growing.

Because of this problem, Congress passed the Flag Act of 1818.

The law permanently kept the flag at 13 stripes to honor the original colonies, while new stars would continue to be added for each new state.

The law also created the rule still used today: a new star is officially added to the flag on July 4th following the admission of a new state.

During the 1800s, the United States expanded across North America. New territories became states, and the number of stars on the flag continued to grow.

After the American Civil War, the flag became an important symbol of preserving the Union. President Abraham Lincoln refused to remove stars representing Southern states that had seceded because he believed the Union would survive the war.

By 1912, the flag had 48 stars after New Mexico and Arizona became states.  The 48-star flag remained official for many years and was used during both World Wars.

In 1959, Alaska became the 49th state, and a 49-star flag was introduced.  Later that same year, Hawaii became the 50th state.

The current 50-star flag officially became the national flag on July 4, 1960.  Today, the American flag has 13 stripes representing the original colonies and 50 stars representing the 50 states.

The American flag is displayed at schools, government buildings, military bases, memorials, sporting events, and homes across the country.

Many Americans view the stars on the flag as symbols of unity, equality among the states, national growth, and the strength of the Union.

USCIS 128:121. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

OpenAI. (2026).   Why does the flag have 13 stripes?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The flag of the United States has 13 stripes because there were 13 original colonies.

The stripes represent the first colonies that became the original states of the United States after independence from Great Britain.

In 1777, the Continental Congress approved the first official American flag. The flag had 13 stripes and 13 stars to represent the 13 original colonies united together.

After the Revolutionary War, new states began joining the United States.

In 1795, Congress changed the flag to include 15 stars and 15 stripes after Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union.

This 15-stripe flag later became famous during the War of 1812. It flew above Fort McHenry during a British attack in 1814.

After seeing the flag still flying after the battle, Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that later became the song The Star-Spangled Banner.

As the United States continued to grow, more states entered the Union. Leaders realized that adding a new stripe for every state would make the flag too crowded and difficult to design.

Because of this problem, Congress passed the Flag Act of 1818.

This law permanently returned the flag to 13 stripes to honor the original colonies. The law also created the system still used today: a new star would be added to the flag for each new state.

Today, the American flag still has 13 stripes to remember the original colonies and 50 stars to represent the 50 states.

The flag is an important symbol of the history, unity, and independence of the United States.

USCIS 128:120. Where is the Statue of Liberty?

OpenAI. (2026).  Where is the Statue of Liberty?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The Statue of Liberty is located in New York Harbor on Liberty Island.

The statue stands near New York City. It can also be seen from parts of New Jersey and the Hudson River area.

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most famous symbols of the United States. It represents freedom, democracy, and hope.

The full name of the statue is “Liberty Enlightening the World.”

The people of France gave the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a gift in the 1880s to celebrate friendship between the two countries and the ideals of liberty and democracy.

French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designed the statue. Engineer Gustave Eiffel, who later helped design the Eiffel Tower, helped create the statue’s internal support structure.

The statue was officially dedicated in 1886 by President Grover Cleveland.

The Statue of Liberty is made of copper and stands over 300 feet tall from the ground to the tip of the torch.

Lady Liberty holds a torch in one hand, which symbolizes freedom and enlightenment. In her other hand, she holds a tablet with the date July 4, 1776, written in Roman numerals. This date marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Broken chains near her feet symbolize freedom from oppression and tyranny.

Near the Statue of Liberty is Ellis Island, which became the main immigration station for the United States from 1892 to 1954.

During this period, millions of immigrants arrived in America by ship through New York Harbor. Many immigrants first saw the Statue of Liberty as they entered the harbor.

For many newcomers, the statue became a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and a new beginning in the United States.

At Ellis Island, immigration officials checked medical records and documents before immigrants could enter the country. Many families waited for hours or days during the inspection process.

Some immigrants were allowed to enter the United States quickly, while others faced delays or were denied entry because of illness or legal problems.

Today, Ellis Island contains a museum that tells the stories of immigrants who came to the United States from many parts of the world.

An American writer named Emma Lazarus helped strengthen the statue’s connection to immigration and hope.

In 1883, Emma Lazarus wrote a famous poem called The New Colossus to help raise money for the statue’s pedestal.

One famous line from the poem says:

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

These words helped make the Statue of Liberty a symbol of welcome for immigrants seeking freedom and opportunity in the United States.

Today, the poem is displayed inside the Statue of Liberty museum, and many people continue to connect the statue with immigration, freedom, and the American dream.

The Statue of Liberty has become an important symbol of citizenship, democracy, equal opportunity, and hope for people around the world.

Today, millions of tourists visit the statue every year. It remains one of the most recognized landmarks in the United States.