Virtue, liberty, and independence facts for kids

Virtue, Liberty, and Independence is the official motto of Pennsylvania. This important phrase was chosen in 1875. It shows the strong feelings and hopes of the people of Pennsylvania during the American War of Independence, which happened between 1775 and 1783.

Understanding Pennsylvania's Motto

The motto "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence" is more than just words. It tells us a lot about what the people of Pennsylvania believed in. These ideas were very important when the United States was first becoming its own country.

What Does Virtue Mean?

Virtue means having good moral qualities. It's about being honest, fair, and doing the right thing. For the people of Pennsylvania, living with virtue meant being good citizens. It meant acting with integrity and strong character.

The Importance of Liberty

Liberty means freedom. It is the power to act, speak, and think as you want. This is especially true when it comes to being free from unfair government control. During the War of Independence, people fought hard for their liberty. They wanted to be free from British rule.

Why Independence Matters

Independence means being self-governing. It is the state of not being controlled by others. For Pennsylvania and the other American colonies, achieving independence meant becoming their own nation. They wanted to make their own laws and decisions.

When Was the Motto Adopted?

The motto "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence" became official in 1875. This was almost 100 years after the American War of Independence ended. It shows that these values remained important to the state long after the war.

Images for kids

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  The flag as it appears in an 1819 painting