National American Eagle Day
Show your national pride on American Eagle Day by wearing eagle-adorned clothing, or donating to a cause to help protect and preserve these majestic creatures.
Last night, once again, I had a dream
Stacy Smith – Majestic Dreams
About an eagle in the blue,
And just like all the other dreams,
Right above my head it flew.
In every dream of it I had,
It landed somewhere close by,
And each time, I was so excited
For the beauty that caught my eye.
The Bald Eagle, also known colloquially as the American Eagle, has long stood as a symbol of freedom and liberty in a country formed in its pursuit.
This creature was chosen for the strength and beauty of its form and its longevity in the wild. They are strong protectors of their nests and are native to the country it represents.
National American Eagle Day celebrates this majestic bird and its place in its country’s history, and how it came to be the symbol of what was once considered the greatest nation on Earth.
How to Celebrate National American Eagle Day
The best way to celebrate National American Eagle Day is to pick out a piece of clothing with this amazing animal on it and show your national pride.
Then get out there and raise awareness about its endangered status and volunteer to help preserve its place in nature.
It would be a tragedy to have this symbol of America lost to the past through lack of conservation and effort. So get out the today and help the American Eagle, and let freedom ring!
History of National American Eagle Day
The use of the American Eagle as the bird to represent the country did have a tumultuous history. There were several seals established for the United States in 1776, but none of them were accepted by Congress.
Eventually, the job of designing the seal was given to Charles Thomson, the then serving secretary of Congress, who took all the best elements of the presented designs and improved on them by adding this majestic bird to the seal.
While Benjamin Franklin was never actually recorded as lobbying for the Turkey to be the national bird, it is known that he described the Bald Eagle as being a “bird of bad moral character”.
The bird was included on the seal, and soon it became one of the most recognizable icons of the American culture.
Unfortunately, this majestic bird has also been threatened with extinction, and National American Eagle Day reminds us of the role it has served in national pride, the pursuit of freedom and liberty, and that it must be preserved as an honor to our country.
National American Eagle Day FAQs
What is the connection between the bald eagle and Native American cultures?
Bald eagles hold deep spiritual significance for many Native American tribes.
They are seen as messengers to the Creator and symbols of strength and vision. Eagle feathers are used in sacred ceremonies and given as high honors.
For example, the Lakota use eagle feathers in Sun Dances to represent courage.
How did bald eagles inspire early American art and design?
Bald eagles appeared prominently in 18th- and 19th-century American seals, coins, and architecture.
Artists often portrayed them with exaggerated wingspans to symbolize the country’s power and reach. For instance, they are central to the Great Seal of the United States, clutching arrows and an olive branch.
Why do bald eagles sometimes appear on Alaskan currency?
Alaska’s connection to the bald eagle is unique, as it’s home to the largest eagle population in the U.S.
Some commemorative Alaskan coins and medallions feature eagles to honor this relationship. The state also celebrates eagle festivals, such as the Haines Bald Eagle Festival.
Can bald eagles swim?
Surprisingly, bald eagles can swim if needed. If a catch is too heavy to carry, they use their wings like paddles to move across the water. This behavior is rare but showcases their adaptability in hunting.
How did the bald eagle become a symbol in ancient mythologies?
Long before its adoption by the U.S., the eagle symbolized power and wisdom in ancient Greece and Rome.
Zeus and Jupiter, the chief gods in these cultures, were often depicted with eagles as companions. This imagery influenced America’s founding fathers when choosing the bald eagle as a national emblem.
Are bald eagles social birds?
Bald eagles are mostly solitary but gather in large groups, called “convocations,” during winter migrations.
These gatherings often occur in areas with abundant fish, such as Alaska’s Chilkat River. It’s an incredible sight to see hundreds of eagles perched along the riverbanks.
What’s an amusing misconception about the bald eagle?
A common myth is that bald eagles cry loudly like they do in movies. In reality, their vocalizations are softer and high-pitched. The dramatic screeches in films usually belong to red-tailed hawks, dubbed over for effect.
Why are bald eagles known as opportunistic feeders?
While famous for hunting, bald eagles often scavenge carrion or steal food from other birds.
They’ve been observed taking fish from ospreys mid-flight. This opportunism helps them conserve energy and thrive in various habitats.
What’s the story behind the world’s largest bald eagle sculpture?
The largest bald eagle sculpture is in Kotzebue, Alaska. Made from over 10,000 pounds of steel, it honors the bird’s cultural and natural significance.
Its wings span more than 30 feet, symbolizing freedom and endurance.
What are some international symbols inspired by eagles?
Though the bald eagle is unique to the U.S., other eagles are national symbols elsewhere.
The German federal eagle, for instance, dates back to the Holy Roman Empire. Mexico’s coat of arms features a golden eagle perched on a cactus, representing Aztec legend.
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