June 20 is American Eagle Day, a celebration that commemorates the date in 1782 when the bird was added to the Great Seal of the United States, effectively becoming a national symbol. With an olive branch in its right talons and a bundle of 13 arrows in its left (representing the 13 original states in the Union), the eagle is said to represent a strong desire for peace, but readiness for conflict. You’ll likely recognize the Great Seal of the United States from its appearance on passports, flags, official documents, and American currency. The bald eagle, now federally protected, continues to inspire national pride.
In celebration of America’s national bird
Today in History
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It s leap day!
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Winterpret on ice
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Gazing upon Portraits of Change
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At the shore of an inland sea
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Oud-West, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Clouds over the River of Grass
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Tough turf
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World Octopus Day
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Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
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St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland
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Sanday Island and the North Sea, Scotland
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Travel Sunday: Liverpool
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Yosemite National Park, California
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Colorful cows of the reef
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Black grouses lekking
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International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
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A big place to shop small
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World Migratory Bird Day
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Flock online for the Great Backyard Bird Count
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It’s Penguin Awareness Day
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Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland
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Ruins of St. Dwynwens Church, Ynys Llanddwyn, Wales
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National Take a Hike Day
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Lakeside serenity in Finland
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Porto Cathedral, Portugal
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Batten down the hatches
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Prague, Czech Republic
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Beaver achievers
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Shining like Klondike gold
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A swim in the sky