SJ0014 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0014 LRB094 06742 CSA 36842 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

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

WHEREAS, On June 20, 1782, the American eagle was designated as the National Emblem of the United States when the Great Seal of the United States was adopted, and is the living symbol of the United States' freedoms, spirit and strength; in December 1818, shortly after the Illinois Territory gained statehood, the bald eagle became part of Great Seal of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Found only in North America and once on the endangered species list, the bald eagle population is now growing again, especially along the western border of Illinois; while the natural domain of bald eagles is from Alaska to California, and Maine to Florida, the great State of Illinois provides a winter home for thousands of these majestic birds as they make their journey northwards to the upper Midwest and Canada for spring nesting; and

WHEREAS, From December through February, Illinois is home to the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles in the Continental United States; eagle-watching has become a thriving hobby and form of State tourism in at least 27 Illinois counties; many organizations and municipalities across the State host annual eagle viewing and educational events and celebrations; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is home to two major waterways; our treasured Illinois River as it connects Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River, and the mighty Mississippi River as it flows along the western border, perfect habitats for eagles who must live near large bodies of open water where there are fish to eat and tall trees for nesting and roosts; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we recognize the fourth Saturday in January as American Eagle Day in Illinois and encourage public and private entities of the State to celebrate these magnificent birds and strive to keep them flying free.