American Bald Eagle Day
When is American Bald Eagle Day? This holiday is always celebrated on June 20
American Bald Eagle Day is today, a June 20 holiday. Also called National Eagle Day, we celebrate the national bird of the United States of America. As our national bird, it symbolizes freedom, strength, honesty, wisdom, and power.
On this day in 1782, U.S. Congress declared the Bald Eagle our national bird. It is an important national symbol. On this day, it was added to the official seal of the United States. On the seal, it holds 13 arrows in its left talon, symbolizing the original 13 colonies. In its right talon, it holds an olive branch, a symbol of peace.
Did You Know? Our national bird almost became the turkey. The U.S. Congress heatedly debated the virtues of the two birds before selecting the bald eagle as our national bird. Can you imagine eating them instead of turkey on Thanksgiving!?
An important distinction: National Bald Eagle Day is defined as a national “observance”, rather than a holiday. As a result, government offices, banks, and businesses are open on this day.
Bald Eagle Trivia
Here are some interesting and inciteful bald eagle trivia facts that you cant share with your family and friends:
- In 1782, the U.S. Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States and the bald eagle as its symbol.
- They are not bald. Rather, the feathers on its head and tail are white.
- There are an estimated 50,000 birds in the lower United States (2021).
- Bald eagles are native to North America.
- Juveniles do not have white heads.
- Once almost extinct, efforts to save them succeeded. They are no long on the Endangered Species List. As a result, they are sometimes mistaken for golden eagles (see picture above).
- They are sometimes confused with turkey vultures. If they fly in a “V” it’s a vulture, if their wings soar flat, it’s an eagle!
- Their lifespan is 25-40 years.
- Females are larger than males.
- Their diet consists largely of fish, birds, small mammals, reptiles, and carrion. As a result, you will often find them making their nest near small lakes, ponds and wetlands.
How to Celebrate American Bald Eagle Day
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Bald Eagle Day:
- Learning more about our national bird.
- Go to a zoo that has a bald eagle
- Flying the flag. While the flag itself does not portray a bald eagle, the top of the flag pole is usually adorned with a bald eagle. (perhaps you never noticed!)
- Look for them in your area. Don’t forget your camera. We suggest a camera with a telephoto lens.
Today's Quote
“Why do they all it rush hour when nothing moves?” – – Robin Williams
History and Origin of American Bald Eagle Day
On January 28, 1982, then-President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation in accordance with a joint resolution of Congress (S.J. Res 121) declaring June 20, 1982, to be National Bald Eagle Day
In 1995, then president William Clinton proclaimed June 20, 1995, as American Eagle Day.
While neither of these presidential proclamations made the observance an annual event, the American public celebrates his holiday annually. After all, it is our national bird. This is a true tribute to the honor and respect we have for our stately and majestic national bird.
Definition of “National” Days – Discover why it is important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
Besides American Bald Eagle Day, here are a couple of other things that happened on June 20:
- The first successful test of a rocket plane using liquid propellants. (1939)
- The movie “Jaws” was released. (1975)
- We celebrate the birth of actor and WWII hero Audie Murphy on this day in 1924.
More June 20 Holidays
In addition to today’s holiday, here is another June 20 holiday you will surely enjoy:
More About Today
Flower of the Day: Cotton Plant
Recipe of the Day: Herb Wine Sauce
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in June. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous June Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for American Bald Eagle Day or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Holiday Insights, where every day in June is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. So, join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to American Bald Eagle Day, there are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. What’s more, many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays regularly. June holidays are no exception. Consequently, at Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.