A joint resolution to provide for the designation of the year 1982 as the "Bicentennial Year of the American Bald Eagle" and the designation of June 20, 1982, as "National Bald Eagle Day".
PL 97-139 (S.J.Res.121), enacted 12/29/1981

PUBLIC LAW 97-139—DEC. 29, 1981 
95 STAT. 1715 
Public Law 97-139 
97th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To provide for the designation of the year 1982 as the "Bicentennial Year of the 
American Bald Eagle" and the designation of June 20, 1982, as "National Bald 
Eagle Day". 
Whereas on June 20, 1782, the Congress adopted the American 
bald eagle as the sjrmbol of our Nation; 
Whereas the American bald eagle was so adopted because of its leg-
endary strength and its single-minded commitment to the protec-
tion of its young and the defense of its home; 
Whereas the American public has adopted the American bald eagle 
as a symbol of strength, courage, determination, and beauty; 
Whereas the seals of twelve States and the District of Columbia 
bear the image of the American bald eagle; 
Whereas human encroachment on the American bald eagle's natu-
ral habitat has resulted in the designation of the American bald 
eagle as an endangered species throughout most of the United 
States; 
Whereas Federal, State, and local governments and private wildlife 
conservation groups have adopted programs in recent years to in-
crease the number and dispersal of nesting pairs in the United 
States; 
Whereas the celebration of the Bicentennial Year of the American 
Bald Eagle and National Bald Eagle Day will serve to make 
people aware of the current plight of our country's living symbol; 
Whereas such celebration will draw attention to the spirit the 
American bald eagle represents and the pride that it signifies; 
Whereas such celebration should be conducted in a manner that 
encourages additional efforts to keep the American bald eagle a 
flying symbol of freedom: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled. That the year 1982 is 
designated as the "Bicentennial Year of the American Bald Eagle" 
and June 20, 1982, is designated as "National Bald Eagle Day'. In 
order to promote and enhance efforts to inform the American people 
of the plight of our national bird, the American bald eagle, and to 
encourage additional efforts to protect and increase the population of 
this symbol of our Nation, the President of the United States is 
authorized and requested— 
Dec. 29, 1981 
[S.J. Res. 121] 
Bicentennial 
Year of the 
American Bald 
Eagle and 
National Bald 
Eagle Day. 
Designation. 
95 STAT. 1716 
PUBLIC LAW 97-139—DEC. 29, 1981 
(1) to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the 
United States* including wildlife conservation organizations and 
educational institutions, to observe such year and day with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities; 
(2) to send a suitable copy of 
such proclamation to the Governor 
of 
each State and to each Member of 
Congress; and 
(3) to direct all Federal agencies and departments which have 
activities which affect the bald eagle to cooperate with and 
participate in the celebration of 
such year and day. 
Approved December 29, 1981. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 121: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 127 (1981): 
Dec. 15, considered and passed Senate. 
Dec. 16, considered and passed House.