June 20 is "American Eagle Day"

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The not-for-profit American Eagle Foundation (AEF) (www.eagles.org) has been a major proponent and organizer in establishing "American Eagle Day," a commemorative national day on June 20 to celebrate the bald eagle's symbolism to Americans and its dramatic recovery from the brink of extinction.

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For more than 230 years, the bald eagle has served as the living symbol of all that America stands for: freedom, courage, strength, spirit, independence, democracy and excellence.

On June 20, 1782, our nation's founding fathers placed this majestic creature, which is unique to North America, at the center of the Great Seal of the United States.

On June 20, 2016, the American Eagle Foundation, along with the United States Congress and governors across the country, invite U.S. citizens to celebrate "American Eagle Day." They may do so by remembering the bald eagle's dramatic comeback, reflecting on its special symbolism, and conducting educational activities and ceremonies (including recognizing people who are "American Eagles" in their communities—those individuals who exemplify the qualities the bald eagle represents).

"We once almost lost this precious national treasure due to our own mistakes and neglect. Habitat destruction, illegal shootings, and the use of DDT caused the Bald Eagle population to drop to less than 500 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states in the early 60s," says AEF Founder and President Al Cecere, "but we, the people, joined together, rose to the occasion, and vigilantly brought it back to America's lands, waterways and skies."

The USFWS estimates that there are more than 143,000 bald eagles in the continental United States today. The bald eagle was removed from Endangered Species Act protection in 2007, but still remains protected by the Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940.

"American Eagle Day" was first recognized in 1995 by entertainment icon Dolly Parton, President Bill Clinton, Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist, and Tennessee Senators Howard Baker Jr. and Lamar Alexander. Since then, governors from 49 states have recognized "American Eagle Day" with proclamations and special documents, giving the National Bird its own "official day" in their states. The United States Senate and House of Representatives have unanimously passed several "American Eagle Day" Resolutions since 2007.

"On American Eagle Day, and every day, let us continue to treasure and protect the bald eagle all across this great land for future generations to enjoy," says Cecere, who has been spearheading the effort for more than two decades.

About the American Eagle Foundation
The American Eagle Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to care for, restore and protect the USA's living symbol of freedom, the Bald Eagle, and other birds of prey. The AEF is celebrating its 31st year of carrying out its mission through Education, Repopulation, Conservation, & Rehabilitation. It is headquartered in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains at Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, TN. Learn more at www.eagles.org.

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