WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle was designated the national emblem of the United States on June 20, 1782, by the Continental Congress through adoption of the Great Seal of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle is native exclusively to North America and has long symbolized the American ideals of freedom, strength, courage, and resilience; and

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle appears prominently on the Great Seal of the United States and in the official seals and emblems of numerous agencies and branches of the federal government, including the Presidency, Congress, and the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Justice, State, and Commerce, as well as the United States Postal Service; and

WHEREAS, the Bald Eagle once faced the threat of extinction in the United States but has made a remarkable recovery due to decades of dedicated conservation efforts; and

WHEREAS, the restoration of the Bald Eagle population has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of federal and state agencies, conservation organizations, private partners, and citizens committed to protecting this treasured national symbol;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize June 20, 2026, as AMERICAN EAGLE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and call this observance to the attention of all Virginians.