Photo Credit: Getty Images
After 242 years of serving as an iconic symbol, the bald eagle has finally been officially designated as the United States' national bird. President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law on Tuesday, correcting a historic oversight.
Recognizable for its white head, yellow beak, and commanding wingspan, the bald eagle has graced the Great Seal of the United States since 1782. Yet, until now, it lacked the formal recognition that many assumed it had.
Indigenous to North America, the bald eagle has long embodied power, freedom, and resilience. It appears on military insignia, U.S. currency, and the presidential flag, reinforcing its status as a national emblem.
The delay in formalizing its designation might seem surprising, but it hasn't diminished the bird's importance. Conservation efforts have brought the bald eagle back from near extinction in the 20th century, making its new status a triumph not just for symbolism but for environmental success.
With its new title, the bald eagle continues to remind Americans of their shared values. It's more than a bird; it's a testament to strength, perseverance, and unity—a fitting emblem for a nation that values freedom above all.
