A Long-Awaited Recognition
On Christmas Eve, the bald eagle, a symbol of strength and freedom, officially became the national bird of the United States. President Joe Biden signed the historic legislation, ending nearly 250 years of informal recognition. While the bald eagle has adorned the Great Seal of the United States since 1782 and has been associated with the country’s identity for generations, it was never formally designated as the national bird. This changed after Congress passed the bill last week, making its way to the President’s desk for approval.
Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center, expressed his excitement in a statement. “For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the US national bird when it wasn’t. But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving.” The bird’s official designation marks a moment of national pride and a celebration of its unique status as a North American native species.
Historical and Symbolic Debate
The bald eagle’s status as a national symbol has not always been without controversy. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin famously opposed the bird’s emblematic role, calling it a “bird of bad moral character.” Despite Franklin’s criticism, the bald eagle has been widely recognized as a representation of courage, strength, and freedom. According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, its global counterparts also symbolize immortality, but the bald eagle is distinctively tied to North America.
The push to officially designate the bald eagle as the US national bird gained momentum through efforts led by lawmakers from Minnesota. The state boasts one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the nation, underscoring its connection to the iconic bird. Senator Amy Klobuchar highlighted the bird’s cultural and ecological significance while advocating for its official recognition.
A Conservation Success Story
The bald eagle’s journey to national emblem status is also a testament to successful conservation efforts. Once on the brink of extinction, its population has surged since 2009, thanks to protective measures such as the National Emblem Act of 1940. This legislation not only shields the bird from hunting and sale but also reinforces its status as a treasured national symbol.
The bill designating the bald eagle as the US national bird was among 50 pieces of legislation signed into law by President Biden on Christmas Eve. Other laws included a federal anti-hazing act aimed at preventing violence and fatalities on university campuses. For many Americans, the bald eagle’s official recognition is a meaningful and timely acknowledgment of its enduring role as a symbol of the nation’s ideals.
