HJ0053

LRB093 17918 KEF 44175 r









1

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION


 
2
    WHEREAS, The State of Illinois recognizes certain dates of 
3
the year for honoring specific patriotic, civic, cultural and 
4
historic persons, activities, symbols, or events; and


 
5
    WHEREAS, On June 20, 1782, the American eagle was 
6
designated as the National Emblem of the United States when the 
7
Great Seal of the United States was adopted, and is the living 
8
symbol of the United States' freedoms, spirit and strength; in 
9
December 1818, shortly after the Illinois Territory gained 
10
statehood, the bald eagle became part of Great Seal of the 
11
State of Illinois; and
 
12
    WHEREAS, Found only in North America and once on the 
13
endangered species list, the bald eagle population is now 
14
growing again, especially along the western border of Illinois; 
15
while the natural domain of bald eagles is from Alaska to 
16
California, and Maine to Florida, the great State of Illinois 
17
provides a winter home for thousands of these majestic birds as 
18
they make their journey northwards to the upper Midwest and 
19
Canada for spring nesting; and
 
20
    WHEREAS, From December through February, Illinois is home 
21
to the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles in the 
22
Continental United States; eagle-watching has become a 
23
thriving hobby and form of State tourism in at least 27 
24
Illinois counties; many organizations and municipalities 
25
across the State host annual eagle viewing and educational 
26
events and celebrations; and
 
27
    

WHEREAS, Illinois is home to two major waterways; our 
28
treasured Illinois River as it connects Lake Michigan to the 
29
Mississippi River, and the mighty Mississippi River as it flows 
30
along the western border, perfect habitats for eagles who must 
31
live near large bodies of open water where there are fish to 
 


 









HJ0053
- 2 -
LRB093 17918 KEF 44175 r







1
eat and tall trees for nesting and roosts; therefore, be it
 
2
    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
3
NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE 
4
SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we recognize the fourth Saturday 
5
in January as American Eagle Day in Illinois and encourage 
6
public and private entities of the State to celebrate these 
7
magnificent birds and strive to keep them flying free.