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.