Eagle Red White and Blue

Blue and white illustration of an eagle with stars on its body and red and white stripes on the sides

The bald eagle became the national bird of the United States in 1782. It has appeared on official documents, U.S. coins and dollar bills, military insignias, and government buildings. The symbolism represents strength, courage, and freedom. This graphic combines the eagle with patriotic red, white, and blue imagery of the stars and stripes of the American flag. Originally, the turkey was suggested as a national bird; however, the founding fathers felt the eagle showed more strength. Also, the bald eagle is indigenous to North America. Currently, their population has dwindled; they are protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940.