In a historic move, President Joe Biden has signed into law new legislation that amends the United States Code to formally designate the bald eagle as the national bird. This decision addresses a long-standing oversight, officially recognizing the bird, with its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body, as a symbol of the nation.
The bald eagle has been a prominent figure in American iconography for centuries. Since 1782, the eagle has been featured on the Great Seal of the United States, an emblem used in official documents to represent the nation’s sovereignty and identity. The seal, finalized that year, includes the bald eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, along with a shield resembling a flag, the motto “E Pluribus Unum,” and a constellation of stars.
Though the eagle’s image has been integral to the United States since the nation’s founding, it was only in 1782 that Congress officially designated the bald eagle as the national emblem. This designation underscored the bird’s symbolic role as a representation of strength, freedom, and the ideals of the United States. Over the years, the eagle has appeared in various forms and contexts, including on official documents, the presidential flag, military insignia, and even U.S. currency.
This latest legislative move clarifies and strengthens the eagle’s status, officially correcting the omission in the United States Code and ensuring that the bald eagle is recognized as the national bird. The legislation passed through Congress without significant opposition, reflecting the broad bipartisan support for the iconic status of the bald eagle as a symbol of the nation.
For many Americans, the bald eagle is a deeply familiar and beloved emblem. Its striking appearance and its association with the natural beauty of the country have made it an enduring symbol of American pride. The bird, once endangered due to hunting and environmental factors, has made a remarkable recovery thanks to conservation efforts, further reinforcing its symbolic importance as a national icon.
The eagle’s role as a symbol of the United States goes beyond its image on the Great Seal. It is embedded in the nation’s history, representing ideals such as liberty, independence, and resilience. The bald eagle’s image is featured in numerous national symbols and institutions, including on military insignia and government seals. It has also become a symbol of freedom and democracy around the world, often representing the United States in international contexts.
This formal recognition of the bald eagle as the national bird serves to acknowledge its central place in the nation’s identity and history. It also highlights the ongoing importance of national symbols in shaping the collective identity of the United States.
While the eagle’s status as the national emblem was previously established, this new law serves to correct and clarify its designation as the official national bird. The change ensures that future generations will understand and appreciate the eagle’s significance as a central and enduring symbol of the nation.
