For centuries, the bald eagle has been a revered symbol of the United States, embodying strength, freedom, and courage. Yet, despite its iconic status, it was not officially recognized as the national bird until December 24, 2024.
This historic milestone was achieved when President Joe Biden signed legislation into law, finally bestowing the long-awaited honor upon this majestic bird.
A Long Journey to Recognition
The bald eagle’s association with the United States dates back to 1782, when it was adopted as part of the Great Seal of the United States. The seal, featuring the eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, symbolized peace and preparedness for war.
Over the years, the eagle became an unofficial emblem of American ideals, appearing on coins, federal documents, and other national insignia.
However, the bird’s designation as the national bird had never been formalized. This oversight persisted for nearly 250 years until Congress passed a bill in late 2024, officially declaring the bald eagle the United States’ national bird.
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Minnesota lawmakers, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, played a pivotal role in advancing the legislation, citing the state’s large eagle population and the bird’s enduring symbolism.
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The timing of the recognition carries profound significance. As Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative, aptly stated, “For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn’t. But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving.”
The Bald Eagle: A Contested Symbol
The eagle’s path to becoming a symbol of America was not without its detractors. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously opposed its selection, describing the bird as having a “bad moral character.”
Franklin argued that the bald eagle often displayed opportunistic behavior, such as scavenging from other animals, which he viewed as unworthy of representing the nation’s ideals.
Despite Franklin’s objections, the majority of Congress saw the bald eagle in a more favorable light. The bird’s fierce demeanor, keen vision, and remarkable ability to soar at great heights resonated with the ideals of strength and freedom. Furthermore, the bald eagle is indigenous to North America, making it a unique representation of the United States.
Over time, the bird’s reputation as a symbol of resilience and courage solidified its place in American culture. Today, it serves as a unifying emblem, appearing on military insignias, government seals, and even sports team logos, reinforcing its deep connection to the nation’s identity.
A Conservation Success Story
The bald eagle’s survival and resurgence are as symbolic as its recognition as the national bird. By the mid-20th century, the species faced the brink of extinction due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the widespread use of the pesticide DDT.
In 1940, the National Emblem Act was enacted to protect the bird from hunting and trade, marking the beginning of concerted efforts to save the species.
The turning point came with the banning of DDT in 1972 and subsequent conservation initiatives, including habitat restoration and breeding programs. These efforts paid off immensely.
By 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list, and its population has continued to thrive. A 2021 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report estimated over 300,000 bald eagles in the contiguous United States—a testament to the power of dedicated conservation efforts.
Minnesota, a state with one of the nation’s largest bald eagle populations, played a key role in this revival. The legislation to designate the bald eagle as the national bird underscores the importance of continued efforts to protect and preserve the species for future generations.
The official recognition of the bald eagle as the United States’ national bird is a momentous occasion that not only honors the bird’s cultural and historical significance but also celebrates its remarkable comeback from the brink of extinction. This milestone serves as a reminder of the enduring values the bald eagle represents—strength, freedom, and resilience.
As the nation looks forward, the bald eagle remains a beacon of hope and a symbol of the unity that defines the United States. Its story is one of triumph, perseverance, and the enduring connection between nature and national identity.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏