On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed a law officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States, cementing its status that has long been informally recognized since it appeared on the Great Seal in 1782.
Bald Eagle Officially Recognized as United States National Bird
Bald Eagle Officially Recognized as United States National Bird
Historic legislation finalizes the bald eagle's status, a symbol of strength and freedom, after nearly 250 years.
Over two centuries after being informally celebrated as a national symbol, the bald eagle has now received official recognition as the United States' national bird following President Joe Biden's signing of the legislation on Christmas Eve. This landmark bill, led by lawmakers from Minnesota—home to one of the nation’s most significant populations of bald eagles—marks a long-awaited acknowledgment of the bird's role as an enduring emblem of strength, freedom, and resilience.
The bald eagle has been a fixture in American culture, revered for its majestic appearance and powerful presence. Despite initial objections from Benjamin Franklin, who deemed the bird unworthy of representing the country, the eagle has maintained its reputation as a symbol of nobility and courage throughout history, particularly among veterans.
The new law also underscores the importance of wildlife protection, as the bald eagle has been safeguarded under the National Emblem Act since 1940, prohibiting hunting and selling of the species. This comes in light of a remarkable recovery for the bald eagle population since it faced extinction risks years ago. In a climate increasingly sensitive to ecological balance, this recognition of the bald eagle resonates well beyond nationalism; it signifies a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of natural heritage.
Biden's signature was part of a flurry of legislative actions taken on Christmas Eve, including a federal anti-hazing law aimed at student safety on university campuses. The acknowledgment of the bald eagle encapsulates a celebration of both history and nature, affirming its place not only in the national symbolism but also as a vital component of the American ecological narrative.
The bald eagle has been a fixture in American culture, revered for its majestic appearance and powerful presence. Despite initial objections from Benjamin Franklin, who deemed the bird unworthy of representing the country, the eagle has maintained its reputation as a symbol of nobility and courage throughout history, particularly among veterans.
The new law also underscores the importance of wildlife protection, as the bald eagle has been safeguarded under the National Emblem Act since 1940, prohibiting hunting and selling of the species. This comes in light of a remarkable recovery for the bald eagle population since it faced extinction risks years ago. In a climate increasingly sensitive to ecological balance, this recognition of the bald eagle resonates well beyond nationalism; it signifies a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and the preservation of natural heritage.
Biden's signature was part of a flurry of legislative actions taken on Christmas Eve, including a federal anti-hazing law aimed at student safety on university campuses. The acknowledgment of the bald eagle encapsulates a celebration of both history and nature, affirming its place not only in the national symbolism but also as a vital component of the American ecological narrative.
