The Bald EagleCongress chose the bald eagle as America's national bird in 1782 as a symbol of courage, strength, and freedom. It holds an olive branch, a

symbol of peace, in one claw. It holds an arrow in its other claw, representing the nation's strength in time of war. Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey to be selected instead. The bald eagle now

appears on the Great Seal of the United States, the president's flag, and on some of the national coins and bills