American Eagle Day
June 20
About American Eagle Day
American Eagle Day takes place every year on 20 June and commemorates the adoption of the bald eagle as the national emblem of the United States in 1782. The day celebrates the bird’s status as a symbol of freedom and honours the conservation effort that brought it back from the brink of extinction. It is promoted by the American Eagle Foundation and recognised across the country.
The Story Behind American Eagle Day
The bald eagle’s journey to national symbol began on 20 June 1782, when the Second Continental Congress selected it as the centrepiece of the Great Seal of the United States. The final design was completed by Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress, drawing on suggestions from committees that had included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. The eagle was depicted clutching an olive branch and thirteen arrows, representing a desire for peace alongside readiness to defend the nation, with the number thirteen standing for the original colonies.
From that moment, the bald eagle spread rapidly through American culture as an emblem of liberty, strength, and unity, appearing on currency, official documents, flags, and public buildings. Yet the bird that symbolised the nation came perilously close to disappearing from it. By the mid-twentieth century, habitat loss, hunting, and the pesticide DDT had driven bald eagle numbers to dangerously low levels.
A sustained conservation campaign, including legal protection and a ban on DDT, helped the species recover dramatically. American Eagle Day grew out of efforts to celebrate that recovery and to keep public attention on protecting the bird and its habitat. The American Eagle Foundation has been central to promoting the day and the wider cause.
When and Where is American Eagle Day Celebrated?
American Eagle Day falls on Saturday, 20 June 2026. It is observed on 20 June every year across the United States, the anniversary of the bald eagle’s selection as the national emblem. Schools, conservation groups, and wildlife centres mark the occasion with educational events and celebrations of the bird.
Traditions and Customs
The day is marked in ways that blend patriotism with conservation.
- Educational programmes – Schools and nature centres teach the public about the eagle’s history and ecology.
- Eagle viewing – Enthusiasts visit nesting sites and wildlife refuges to see the birds in the wild.
- Conservation fundraising – Organisations raise money to protect eagle habitats and support rehabilitation.
- Patriotic displays – The eagle’s role as a national symbol features in flags and ceremonies.
- Sharing the recovery story – People highlight the bald eagle’s return as a conservation success.
Ways to Celebrate American Eagle Day
There are many ways to take part, wherever you are.
- Learn about the bald eagle – Read about its biology, its symbolism, and its remarkable recovery.
- Visit a wildlife centre – Many refuges and sanctuaries offer the chance to see eagles up close.
- Support a conservation charity – Donate to or volunteer with organisations that protect eagles and their habitats.
- Go eagle spotting – Head out with binoculars to look for eagles in the wild, responsibly and at a distance.
- Teach children about the eagle – Share the bird’s story as a lesson in both history and conservation.
- Share the day online – Spread awareness of the eagle’s significance and its protection.
Facts and Figures
- The bald eagle was selected as the national emblem on 20 June 1782.
- The Great Seal shows the eagle holding thirteen arrows and an olive branch.
- The bald eagle once neared extinction, partly due to the pesticide DDT.
- Legal protection and a DDT ban helped the species recover strongly.
- American Eagle Day is promoted by the American Eagle Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Eagle Day?
It is an annual day on 20 June celebrating the bald eagle as the national emblem of the United States and honouring its conservation and recovery.
When is American Eagle Day in 2026?
It takes place on Saturday, 20 June 2026, and is observed on 20 June every year.
Why is 20 June significant for the bald eagle?
On 20 June 1782, the Second Continental Congress chose the bald eagle as the centrepiece of the Great Seal of the United States.
Spread the Word
Share American Eagle Day with friends and conservation supporters using #AmericanEagleDay and #AmericanEagleDay2026. Whether you mark the occasion with a visit to a wildlife centre or by sharing the eagle’s recovery story, every bit of awareness helps protect this iconic bird.
Related Awareness Days
- National Arizona Day – A celebration of one of the wild landscapes that eagles call home.
- National Day of the Cowboy – Another American heritage celebration rooted in the country’s history.
- National Mutt Day – A reminder of the many animals that benefit from our care and protection.
Links
Featured image: Photo by Mathew Schwartz on Unsplash.
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