Symbol | Official Item

In 2014 West Virginia adopted "Take Me Home Country Roads" by John Denver, Taffy Nivert, and Bill Canoff as an official state song.

 Poet laureate is an honorary five-year position established by the Connecticut legislature in 1985. The poet laureate functions as an advocate for poetry for the state. The Commission on Culture and Tourism appoints a resident of Connecticut as the state poet laureate based on recommendations from a panel of poets and other literary professionals.

Nathan Hale, born in Coventry Connecticut in 1755 and educated at Yale University, was designated the official state hero of Connecticut in 1985. Nathan Hale was a captain in the Continental army and volunteered to spy on the British during the American Revolution.

In 1776, at age 21, he was hanged without a trial by the British. The young patriot's immortal last words are etched at the base of the statue at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut (and the replica on Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C.): "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

Connecticut established the official State Troubadour position in 1991, designating Tom Callinan as the first to be so honored.  The State Troubadour is an ambassador of music and song, encouraging cultural literacy and promoting the state of Connecticut. All State Awards - Arts & Drama Symbols

Connecticut designated the Corsair F4U as the official state aircraft in 2005 (Connecticut also recognizes a state ship and tall ship ambassador). The F4U Corsair was one of the best fighter-bomber aircraft during World War II and the Korean War.

The Corsair F4U was distinct because of the inverted gull-wing design (which allowed ground clearance for the huge 3-blade propeller). Over 12,000 Corsairs were built between 1938 and 1945 by Connecticut workers at Hamilton Standard, United Aircraft, Pratt and Whitney, and Vought-Sikorsky.

In 2004 the oak tree was designated as official national tree of the United States of America. Each state also recognizes an official tree symbol (all state trees).

Americans of all ages and from all walks of life helped to choose the oak tree as a national symbol through a vote hosted by The National Arbor Day Foundation. Passage of the bill was led by Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia and Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska.

In 1956 the President approved a Joint Resolution of the 84th Congress declaring "In God We Trust" as the official national motto of the United States of America. Each of the 50 United States also has an official motto (all state mottos).

The rose was designated the official flower and floral emblem of the United States of America in 1986.

The American bald eagle was adopted as the national bird symbol of the United States of America in 1782. The bald eagle (Haliaeetus Leucocephalus) was chosen for its majestic beauty, great strength, long life, and because it's native to North America. All State Birds

Massachusetts designated Deborah Samson Gannett as the official state heroine in 1983. She made a unique contribution to American independence, and was the first woman to be awarded a military pension. All State Awards - Historic & Iconic People