The bald eagle became a symbol for the United States in 1782, when it was placed on the Great Seal of the United States. The Great Seal is the official seal of the United States government, and it is used on a variety of official documents, including passports, treaties, and presidential orders.
The bald eagle was chosen as the national symbol for three main reasons.
- First, it is a large and majestic bird that is native to North America.
- Second, the bald eagle is a symbol of strength, courage, and freedom.
- Third, the bald eagle’s white head and tail feathers are a reminder of the purity and innocence of the American people.
The decision to use the bald eagle as the national symbol was not unanimous. Some people, including Benjamin Franklin, argued that the turkey would be a better symbol for the United States. However, the bald eagle was ultimately chosen because it was seen as a more noble and majestic bird.
The bald eagle has been the national symbol of the United States ever since 1782. It is a symbol of strength, courage, freedom, and purity, and it is a reminder of the ideals that the United States was founded on.
Here are some of the qualities that make the bald eagle a fitting symbol for the United States:
- Strength: The bald eagle is a large and powerful bird. It can soar for long distances and catch fish with its sharp talons. This symbolizes the strength and power of the United States.
- Courage: The bald eagle is a fearless bird. It will attack other animals that are much larger than itself. This symbolizes the courage and determination of the United States.
- Freedom: The bald eagle is a free-ranging bird. It does not live in captivity. This symbolizes the freedom and liberty that the United States was founded on.
- Purity: The bald eagle’s white head and tail feathers are a symbol of purity and innocence. This symbolizes the ideals of democracy and equality that the United States was founded on.
Regardless of the origin of the decision to make the bald eagle a symbol for the US, it has been the symbol for so long that it is now tightly associated. Being a symbol for the US is a big reason for us to invest in conservation of the species. If our national symbol is no longer flourishing, what does that say about us a country?