What a magnificent creature! The eagle is a powerful bird of prey, a caretaker who nourishes her young without neglect, and a significant symbol of our country, the United States of America.
With eyes that can spot a fish from more than 1 kilometer away, and a wingspan of seven feet, the eagle majestically soars and swoops into the lakes and rivers to retrieve food. she flies between the speeds of 20 to 40 miles per hour, and dives at the speed of 100 miles per hour. Her strength is evident in the flight back into the heavens with nourishment for her young in the nest. There is no wonder why the eagle has been used to symbolize empire, strength, might, and courage.
William Barton first introduced the eagle in the late 1700's as a symbol of supreme power and authority, and also to signify the congress. It later became the centerpiece of the great seal of the United States. The first seal included the rising eagle with outstretched wings holding a bundle of brave arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other talon, thus symbolizing war and peace. On the breast of the eagle, a shield is placed to demonstrate that the United States of America should rely on its own virtue. In the eagle's beak was placed the first committee's scroll and motto "E. Pluribus Unum" (Out of Many, One).
The eagle landed on paper money during the Civil War and on the back of the dollar during the world war. Some say the eagle represents power and might while others say harmony and height, soaring spirit, and simple joys.
"You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself." Exodus 19:4
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength."