Young Bald Eagles Symbolize American Freedom and Resilience

Floor Speech

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Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the birth of two bald eaglets at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio, named ``America'' and ``Independence'' in honor of our Nation's 250th birthday.

Born two days apart on March 31, 2026, and April 2, 2026, America and Independence are now almost fully grown and recently embarked on their first flight. As we celebrate their births, let us not forget the special significance the Bald Eagle holds to our country and how this iconic bird's history is intertwined with our own,

Chosen as the Seal of our Nation by our Founding Fathers, the Bald Eagle is a strong and independent, majestic and bold, noble and steadfast creature that embodies the greatest qualities of our Nation. But, not unlike our own history, the Bald Eagle has faced perils of its own.

In the late 1800s, there were 100,000 nesting bald eagles in the contiguous United States, but due to harmful pesticides, illegal hunting, and habitat loss, that number had dropped to only 400 breeding pairs by 1960. As recently as 1978, the Bald Eagle stood on the verge of extinction.

However, due to the collective efforts of American scientists, the enactment of federal laws, including protection under the Endangered Species Act, and most importantly, public support from the American people for the bird's protection, the Bald Eagle has experienced a renaissance.

By 1996, the Bald Eagle's classification was changed from endangered to threatened. The Bald Eagle was officially removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007. There are now 71,467 active nests in the United States, including 964 in Ohio across 87 of its 88 counties.

In many ways, the story of the Bald Eagle mirrors the story of our Nation. From the trials of the Revolutionary War and Civil War to the sacrifices of two World Wars, the tensions of the Cold War, and the challenges of the War on Terror, our Nation has repeatedly faced grave dangers, persevered through adversity, and emerged stronger than before.

So, as we celebrate the birth of the eaglets America and Independence and commemorate 250 years of our Republic, we are reminded that resilience, courage, and renewal remain among our greatest national virtues. And just as these two young eaglets have taken night over Dayton, so too, does the United States stand ready to soar confidently into its next 250 years.

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