(VitalNews.org) – In one of the few positive decisions of Joe Biden, a move that blends historical legacy with modern symbolism, the outgoing president has signed a bill officially designating the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States.
See the tweet below!
This decision, finalized on Christmas Eve, aligns a long-standing American icon with its rightful place in the nation’s cultural and environmental tapestry.
For nearly 250 years, the bald eagle stood as a symbol of American spirit and freedom.
The bald eagle, revered for its strength and resilience, was adopted as the Coat of Arms for the Great Seal of the United States back in 1782.
It has since appeared on currency, military insignia, and numerous governmental documents.
However, until this legislation, it was never formally recognized as the country’s national bird, making this a significant step toward reaffirming American values.
The bill, known as Senate Bill 4610, unanimously passed through Congress, demonstrating a rare moment of bipartisan agreement.
It amends Title 36 of the United States Code, cementing the bald eagle’s position as a national symbol.
Supporters argue that this official status is a correction of historical oversight, aligning with the bird’s symbolic stature.
The bald eagle is not just an emblem of American ideals; it represents perseverance in the face of adversity.
Once nearing extinction due to habitat loss, pesticides, and hunting, the eagle’s numbers have seen an impressive recovery due to conservation efforts, such as the 1972 DDT ban.
By 2007, the bald eagle returned to almost 10,000 nesting pairs and was removed from the endangered species list.
“For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn’t,” stated Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center.
This legislation comes amidst ongoing debates around climate change and its impact on natural habitats, emphasizing the need for continual conservation.
It also acknowledges the cultural importance of the bald eagle as a national icon, growing in popularity among birdwatchers and featured on numerous eagle cams nationwide.
The inspiration for this bill largely stems from Minnesota, home to a large bald eagle population.
Local resident Preston Cook led advocacy efforts, drafting the legislation before submitting it to lawmakers.
Cook highlighted the bill as a necessary correction in American history, saying, “No one has to change anything; it’s just a correction.”
The White House expressed gratitude to key legislators, stating, “Thank you to Senators Klobuchar, Lummis, Mullin, and Smith, and Representatives Finstad, Craig, and Emmer for their leadership.”
This collaborative effort emphasizes the bald eagle’s role as a symbol of unity and strength in a time of division and uncertainty, The New York Post notes in a report.
The formal recognition of the bald eagle reinforces its historical and cultural significance, weaving it indelibly into the American national identity.
By finalizing what many Americans have long acknowledged, this decision honors the bald eagle’s role not just as an emblem of the past but also as a guardian of American values for the future.
President Biden has signed legislation making the bald eagle the official national bird of the United States, correcting a long-standing oversight.
The bald eagle, a symbol of American strength, has been depicted on the Great Seal since 1782. 🦅🇺🇸 https://t.co/HHRhkvM93K
— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) December 25, 2024
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