Symbols of U.S. Government:
National Floral Emblem - The Rose
The
rose, said to be about 35 million years old, has been used as a symbol
of love, beauty, war, and politics throughout the world. The flowers
are generally red, pink, white, or yellow and grow naturally throughout
North America. The rose became the official flower of the United States
in 1986.
In October 1985, the Senate passed a resolution that
declared the rose as the National Floral Emblem of the United States.
Senate Joint Resolution 159 was passed by the House of Representatives
on September 23, 1986.
The resolution asked the president to issue a proclamation
declaring the rose as the national flower. A proclamation announces
an act by the government and does not have the effect of law.
President Reagan signed the resolution on October
7, 1986 in a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden. On November 20,
1986, President Reagan issued Proclamation 5574: The National Floral
Emblem of the United States of America: The Rose.
Did you know?
- Our first President, George Washington, bred roses,
and a variety he named after his mother is still grown today.
To learn more, check out the following resources:
- The United
States Code, Title 36 (Patriotic and National Observances,
Ceremonies, and Organization), Chapter 3 (National Anthem, Motto,
Floral Emblem, and March), Section 303 (Floral Emblem) contains information
on the law and proclamation for the rose becoming the national floral
emblem.
- View a picture of the Rose
Garden that is located outside the Oval Office of the White House.
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