Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 95.djvu/1741

 PUBLIC LAW 97-139—DEC. 29, 1981

95 STAT. 1715

Public Law 97-139 97th Congress Joint Resolution To provide for the designation of the year 1982 as the "Bicentennial Year of the American Bald Eagle" and the designation of June 20, 1982, as "National Bald Eagle Day".

Whereas on June 20, 1782, the Congress adopted the American bald eagle as the symbol of our Nation; Whereas the American bald eagle was so adopted because of its legendary strength and its single-minded commitment to the protection of its young and the defense of its home; Whereas the American public has adopted the American bald eagle as a symbol of strength, courage, determination, and beauty; Whereas the seals of twelve States and the District of Columbia bear the image of the American bald eagle; Whereas human encroachment on the American bald eagle's natural habitat has resulted in the designation of the American bald eagle as an endangered species throughout most of the United States; Whereas Federal, State, and local governments and private wildlife conservation groups have adopted programs in recent years to increase the number and dispersal of nesting pairs in the United States; Whereas the celebration of the Bicentennial Year of the American Bald Eagle and National Bald Eagle Day will serve to make people aware of the current plight of our country's living symbol; Whereas such celebration will draw attention to the spirit the American bald eagle represents and the pride that it signifies; Whereas such celebration should be conducted in a manner that encourages additional efforts to keep the American bald eagle a flying symbol of freedom: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That the year 1982 is designated as the "Bicentennial Year of the American Bald Eagle" and June 20, 1982, is designated as "National Bald Eagle Day'. In order to promote and enhance efforts to inform the American people of the plight of our national bird, the American bald eagle, and to encourage additional efforts to protect and increase the population of this symbol of our Nation, the President of the United States is authorized and requested—

Dec. 29, 1981 [S.J. Res. 121]

Bicentennial Year of the American Bald Eagle and National Bald Eagle Day. Designation.

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