After nearly 250 years of serving as a national emblem, the bald eagle has finally been officially designated as the national bird of the United States. This historic decision, signed into law by President Joe Biden, cements the iconic bird's status as a symbol of strength, freedom, and resilience.

On Christmas Eve, President Joe Biden signed a historic bill officially declaring the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States. While the iconic white-headed, yellow-beaked bird of prey has long been a national symbol, it had never been formally recognized as such until now.

The bald eagle has served as a national emblem since 1782, prominently displayed on the Great Seal of the United States, which is used on official documents. However, its status as the national bird was not legally established until Congress passed the bill last week, which President Biden signed into law.

“For nearly 250 years, we called the bald eagle the national bird when it wasn’t,” said Jack Davis, co-chair of the National Bird Initiative for the National Eagle Center. “But now the title is official, and no bird is more deserving.”

The decision to associate the bald eagle with the nation wasn’t always universally supported. Founding Father Benjamin Franklin criticized the choice, describing the bird as a “bird of bad moral character.” However, many others viewed the bald eagle as a fitting symbol of strength, freedom, and courage. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has noted that eagles have long represented immortality and independence. The bald eagle, in particular, is unique because it is indigenous only to North America.

The legislation was spearheaded by lawmakers from Minnesota, a state known for having one of the largest bald eagle populations in the country. Senator Amy Klobuchar emphasized the importance of solidifying the bird’s status as a national symbol and protecting it for future generations.

Already protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940, which prohibits the sale or hunting of the species, the bald eagle is a conservation success story. Once on the brink of extinction, its population has made a remarkable recovery since 2009.

This bill was part of a larger legislative package that included 50 new laws signed by President Biden on Christmas Eve. Among these was a federal anti-hazing law aimed at reducing violence and preventing deaths on university campuses.

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