I’ve always been a “rocker.” Actually, I love all types of music, including Country, Pop, Classical, Soul, you name it. But rock and roll, especially “Classic Rock,” is in my soul and sets me free. Free as a bird.
While I would love to tell you that it began in February 1964 with the British Invasion, I was introduced to it earlier by my older sisters. I can remember my oldest sister would drive her 1956 Ford around the block after dropping me off at M.E. Moses five-and-dime in the 1200 block of Elm Street in downtown Dallas.
My specific shopping item would be the plastic “spider” or adapter for the 45rpm vinyl records to be played on the spindle of the larger 33 1/3rpm album records. There were plenty of bird songs for her to indulge in with “Rockin’ Robin” by Bobby Day, “Bird Dog” by the Everly Brothers, and “The Bird’s the Word” by the Rivingtons. I was also instructed to leave the “rocker arm” up to allow for repetition. Yes, it’s in my soul. This bird you cannot change.
Lake Cypress Springs has the perfect habitat for free birds. The myriad Aves that arrive and call Texas home are too numerous to mention. From Canada to South America, you can experience a squadron of American White Pelicans drifting across the lake like sea foam gathering baitfish, and several species of hummingbirds gathering nectar; they are all here.
However, nothing brings goose bumps of pride and admiration like spotting the American Bald Eagle. And it is poignant that we get to experience this magnificent creature on July 4, 2026, to celebrate the semiquincentennial birthday of our country.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published a wonderful article on the history and importance of this national symbol. Since 1782, the bald eagle has served as our national bird and is placed on the Great Seal of our country. (When did the bald eagle become the national bird of the U.S.?, 2026)
It appears in many government institutions and on official documents, making it the most pictured bird in all of America. (36 U.S. Code § 306 - National bird, 2024)
The VA goes on to state that Bald eagles, like other eagles worldwide, have been seen by many as symbols of strength, courage, freedom, and immortality for generations. And, unlike other eagles, the bald eagle was indigenous only to North America. (Bald Eagle - Kenai Fjords National Park, 2018)
Today, the American bald eagle is protected under the National Emblem Act of 1940. (Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, n.d.) President John F. Kennedy wrote to the Audubon Society:
“The Founding Fathers made an appropriate choice when they selected the bald eagle as the emblem of the nation. The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great bird aptly symbolizes the strength and freedom of America. But as latter-day citizens we shall fail our trust if we permit this eagle to disappear.”
So, let’s make sure that we never fail our trust. That we never change our symbol. For this bird should not and cannot change. So, with the acknowledgment of another fellow rocker, Lynyrd Skynyrd;
“Won’t you fly high free bird, yeah!”
HAPPY 250th BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
Blessings,
m2
(2026). When did the bald eagle become the national bird of the U.S.?. Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/question/When-did-the-bald-eagle-become-the-national-bird-of-the-U-S
(December 22, 2024). 36 U.S. Code § 306 - National bird. U.S. Code. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/36/306
(2018). Bald Eagle - Kenai Fjords National Park. National Park Service. https://home.nps.gov/kefj/learn/nature/bald-eagle.htm
(n.d.). Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. https://www.fws.gov/carp/law/bald-and-golden-eagle-protection-act
