American Bald Eagle Day
About 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. The bald eagle is portrayed holding 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 virtues of the two birds were hotly debated by Congress, before selecting the Bald Eagle as our national bird. Can you imagine eating bald eagles 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:
- 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 – and why it is important to distinguish true National days.
More June 20 Holidays
Here is another June 20 holiday for you to enjoy:
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