June 20, 2019: American Eagle Day

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle was designated as the U.S.A.’s National Emblem on June 20, 1782, by our country’s Founding Fathers at the Second Continental Congress; and,

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle is unique to North America and represents such American values and attributes as freedom, courage, strength, spirit, justice, quality and excellence; and,

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle is the central image used in the Great Seal of the United States and in the logos of many branches of the U. S. Government, including the Executive Branch, Congress, Defense Department, Treasury Department, Justice Department, State Department, Department Of Commerce and U. S. Postal Service; and,

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle’s image, meaning and symbolism have played a significant role in the beliefs, traditions, religions, lifestyles and heritage of Americans from all walks of life; and,

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle’s image, meaning and symbolism have played a significant role in American art, music, literature, architecture, commerce, education and culture. It is also displayed on stamps, currency and coinage in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, once endangered and facing possible extinction, the Bald Eagle is now making a gradual and encouraging comeback to America’s skies; and,

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle was federally classified as an “endangered species” in the lower 48 states under the Endangered Species Act in 1973 and was upgraded to a less imperiled “threatened” status under that Act in 1995; and,

WHEREAS, the Department of Interior and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service delisted the Bald Eagle from Endangered Species Act protection in 2007; nevertheless, it will continue to be protected under the Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act; and,

WHEREAS, the recovery of the Bald Eagle population was largely accomplished due to the vigilant efforts of numerous caring agencies, corporations, organizations and citizens;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 20, 2019, as American Eagle Day in Michigan.