THE BALD EAGLE

This magnificent bird can be found on many things in the United States.

Since ancient times, eagles have been a sign of power. Eagles have great size and strength, and because of this, many have claimed this bird as their emblem and symbol. When it came to choosing a national bird for America after the Revolutionary War, many wanted this bird to be chosen. It was a great and powerful bird, just as the new nation was great and powerful.

But, not all in Congress wanted this bird as theirs. Benjamin Franklin proposed that the turkey be the national bird, because it was a true native of the country.

It was finally decided that the bald eagle, which was unique to North America, be the choice. In 1782, the eagle was finally adopted as the national bird for the country.

The bald eagle is not really bald. The head of the adult bird is white, and was called “bald” by the people from England who first settled in America. To them, “bald” meant “white” or “white- streaked”, not hairless! This bird also has white tail feathers.

The bald eagle still serves as the American national bird, a symbol of the size and strength of the nation.

THE GREAT SEAL OF THE U.S.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress appointed a committee consisting of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson “to bring in a device for a seal of the United States of America”. After many delays, a verbal description of a design was finally approved by Congress on June 20, 1782. The seal shows an American bald eagle with a ribbon in its mouth bearing the device E pluribus Unum (One out of many). In its talons are the arrows of war and an olive branch of peace. On the reverse side it shows an unfinished pyramid with an eye (the eye of Providence) above it.

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