January 28, 1982
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
Whether silhouetted against the sky on a rocky pinnacle in Alaska or soaring majestically
overhead in Florida, the bald eagle is admired as one of nature's most spectacular creatures.
To catch a glimpse of this majestic raptore is to understand why the Founding Fathers chose it to
represent the strength and courage of our great Nation. Its grace and power in flight, its vigilance
and loyalty in defending its family group, and, most of all, its courage make the eagle a proud and
appropriate symbol for the United States. Its presence on the Great Seal of the United States --
one talon extending the olive branch of peace, the other brandishing the arrows of defense -- is a
symbol of friendship and cooperation to our allies and a warning to our adversaries that we are
not to be trod upon.
No one is certain what the original United States population of the bird was, although it may have
approached 75,000 - 100,000. We do know, however, that its extinction has become a
disheartening possibility in recent years.
We have sought to prevent that possibility by restricting the use of certain pesticides. Shooting
and habitat destruction are also being brought under control as a result of protection and
conservation programs conducted under the Bald Eagle Protection Act and the Endangered
Species Act. Scientists believe we are now beginning to see a subtle but definite population
increase through the cooperative efforts of Federal and State fish and wildlife agencies,
conservation and industrial groups, scientists, and private citizens. These efforts are truly
indicative of the spirit of cooperation and perseverance which is at the very heart of our national
character.
On June 20, 1782, the bald eagle became our Nation's symbol and national bird. As we approach
the bicentennial anniversary of that event, we have an excellent opportunity to pause and reflect
upon the importance of the bald eagle, indeed of all our fish and wildlife resources, to a healthy
America. On this occasion, let us renew our commitment and dedication to the conservation of
our natural heritage as symbolized by the bald eagle.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, in accordance with
a joint resolution of the Congress (S.J. Res. 121), do hereby proclaim June 20, 1982 as ``National
Bald Eagle Day'' and designate the year 1982 as the ``Bicentennial Year of the American Bald
Eagle.'' I call upon the people of the United States to join in these observances with appropriate
activities in their homes and communities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of January in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and sixth.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2:15 p.m., January 29, 1982]
Note: The text of the proclamation was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on January
29.