Bald eagle comeback on time for America's birthday

The news of the bald eagle’s recovery arrived just in time for Independence Day.

Today, America celebrates not only its birthday but also the victory of the eagle, its national symbol, over what many called its impending death sentence.

According to the American Eagle Foundation, the bald eagle was chosen as America’s National Emblem by our country’s Founding Fathers in 1782.

Initially, it did face some disapproval from certain individuals, including Benjamin Franklin, but with time, it became the most beloved bird in the country because of its qualities and symbolism.

In the words of President John F. Kennedy:

The Founding Fathers made an appropriate choice when they selected the bald
eagle as the emblem of the nation. The fierce beauty and proud independence of
this great bird aptly symbolizes the strength and freedom of America.

The image of this majestic animal is now found not only on the Great Seal of the United States but also on the dollar bills and coins we use, as well as on our passports and stamps, among many other places.

This is why, after being on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle’s comeback is great news to this nation, which so dearly loves its national bird.

Today’s edition of the Sun-Sentinel expressed the same through an editorial entitled “The bald eagle flies off the endangered species list, just in time for Independence Day.”

Moreover, it stressed the importance of conservation efforts, setting as an example the success story of the American bald eagle:

At a time when Florida still struggles to rescue manatees and panthers from the
threat of extinction, the 40-year commitment to preserve the bald eagle for
future generations of Americans offers fitting lessons on the value and
potential of conservation programs. If the resolve is there, the efforts can and
do work.