The eagle as a symbol for America

 

     The first time I saw an eagle in the wild was in the mid-90s. My friend Cary, our families, and I were taking a boat ride on Lake Vermillion in northern Minnesota. While avoiding what seemed like countless rocks just below the surface of the lake, we watched in awe as one of these splendid raptors flew directly overhead and landed high on a tree on a nearby island.

     I like the symbolism of the eagle as our national bird. Not because the bird is big, powerful, ferocious or beautiful, but because its very presence shows that our country has the potential to do the right thing. I never saw an eagle or any other bird of prey growing up since the insecticide DDT so weakened the birds’ egg shells that they could not last long enough to hatch chicks. Despite heavy opposition from agricultural interests, the US managed to outlaw the use of DDT in 1972. It may not have been the popular thing to do, but it led to the survival of the birds.

     As a result I now regularly see eagles in flight, even over the Twin Cities suburbs. And each time I do, I am proud of at least that once slice of Americana.

     I reflected on this a few days ago while attending my younger grandson’s Boy Scout Court of Honor where he received the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization's highest, awarded to than fewer than 4% of all Scouts. The ceremony made it abundantly clear that earning the award involves a lot of community service. Giving back to the community. Giving more than one receives. Giving selflessly.  I think both my Eagle Scout grandsons understand this and I could not be more proud of them. And their parents who raised them right.

 

Comments

[Joy]

Congratulations to all of you! It’s a fine accomplishment.