Following is a guest post by Elizabeth Rosenacker, President of the Harrison Symmes Memorial Foundation. Greater Harrison Chamber members are invited to share their expertise. Contact the Chamber to learn more.
For nearly 250 years, an iconic symbol has flown over our country symbolizing the strength and spirit of a proud nation. The bald eagle graces official documents, stamps, currency, and even flag poles. It had also once been on the endangered species list. Primarily that was due because of habitat loss and the use of DDT after WWII which caused reproductive failure. But, after conservation efforts the eagle was taken off the endangered list in 2007.
Weighing up to 14 pounds with a wingspan of 8 feet, the eagle can fly as fast as 100 miles an hour while diving for prey! They travel far distances from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. However, they usually breed within 100 miles from where they were born. Their nests are huge and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. They mate for life.
The bald eagle first appeared as an American symbol on the Massachusetts copper cent in 1776. After the Declaration of Independence was adopted, the Continental Congress appointed Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to design an official seal for the new nation. When they failed to come up with a design Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress decided to make the small white eagle – drawn by William Barton of Pennsylvania – more prominent by using the bald eagle with the it’s talons clutching an olive branch and arrows. The eagle looks toward the olive branch “signifying that our country desires peace but stands ready to defend itself.”
On June 20, 1782, Congress adopted the design. Contrary to believe Ben Franklin did not lobby for the turkey to be our national symbol although he did disapprove of the choice. He thought the turkey was more respectable and was native to America.
Everyone thinks of the Bald Eagles up north in Alaska or Canada but we have them right here in southwest Ohio. We have nests in Crosby Township by the Great Miami River and you can see that nest at Heritage Park in Colerain. People have reported eagles close to the Anderson Ferry, in Monfort Heights, and in Southeast Indiana. During the Cleves, Ohio Memorial Day ceremony honoring our country and its veterans, our National Emblem, a bald eagle circled majestically over the crowd while the Star-Spangled Banner was being sung.
I think he heard that old familiar song passed down through the centuries and was drawn to the sound. Perhaps the eagle knew that something was happening probably a sporting event, or graduation. Honestly, I waited for the professional falconer to call the bird down like it was part of a show. But no, it was one of God’s wild creatures and it was absolutely beautiful.
And its message: “I’m your symbol, I’m strong, I’m proud and I’m free. Happy Birthday, America!
More from the America250 Series:
About Elizabeth Rosenacker and Harrison Symmes Memorial Foundation
Elizabeth (Liz) Rosenacker is President of the Harrison Symmes Memorial Foundation. The Board is contracted by the Ohio History Connection to manage the President William Henry Harrison Tomb and Congress Green Pioneer Cemetery. The Harrison Symmes Memorial Foundation also has a museum dedicated to President Harrison, John Cleves Symmes and the history of Miami Township. The Foundation educates the public through programs and tours of the tomb and museum and lectures at schools and community events.
Liz has been married to her high school sweetheart, Frank, for 53 years. They have three children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She’s been a westsider her entire life. Liz belongs to the Governor Othniel Looker Chapter, NSDAR, The Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers at Mercy West Hospital. She has ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, Civil War, WWI, WWII and recent conflicts. Liz has always been interested in history. After all, being born on July 4th she bleeds Red…White and Blue.