07/04/2026
On July 4th of 1776, the Declaration of Independence was ratified by Congress. We remember and celebrate that day today. From every mountaintop, river bottom, prairie vista, city park, rooftop, picnic, suburb, garden, balcony, from every cliff, from every phone, from every computer, from where ever you are watching, learning, caring, and sharing, let freedom ring!
The bald eagleโs role as a national symbol is linked to its 1782 landing on the Great Seal of the United States. The First Continental Congress in 1776 originally commissioned Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams to create a national seal that reflected the independence and aspirations of the new nation. When they failed to do so, Secretary of the Continental Congress Charles Thomson submitted the final design for the Great Seal. In heraldry, eagles have long been considered a symbol of power, authority, and ambition. Thomsonโs design specified the North American Bald eagle over Roman Imperial or European eagles, meeting the charge to represent the new nation with a symbol uniquely its own. You can read more about that (and see the original design) here: http://bit.ly/2xpyDqn.
We will forever be in awe of the beauty and splendor of our eagles and the landscapes โ the rivers, hills, plains, and purple mountains majesty! โ that they live in. On behalf of all of us at RRP, we thank you for watching, sharing, learning, and caringโฆand for all that you do to keep America beautiful by supporting wild lives and wild lands in your own places. Keep up the fight โ local engagement matters deeply. Time to stand up for America on her 250th birthday and put all hands on deck for conservation. More challenges are coming!
Iowaโs state bird is the lovely (and really engaging) American Goldfinch! The Iowa state flower is the Wild Rose. The Iowa state rock is the Geode. The Iowa state tree is the Oak. The Iowa state song is Song of Iowa, although my favorite song with the word Iowa in it is The Iowa Waltz. What is your favorite state song, bird, tree, flower, rock, muffin, beverage, or reptile? What do you love about where you live? Help us celebrate by letting us know!
And if youโd like to celebrate with us in person, join us at ATF! Details here: https://www.raptorresource.org/2026-after-the-fledge/. Happy Independence Day and 250th birthday, America!
