When you see a Bald Eagle sitting perched on a tree top, or perhaps flying effortlessly through a clear blue sky, what thoughts come to mind? Personally, I have two. The first is a Bible reference from Isaiah chapter 40 which talks about those who wait on the Lord mounting up with wings as eagles. My second thought is one of national pride for my native country.
The Bald Eagle is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. That's something I learned way back in the second grade; something that's been rooted in my personality ever since. Unfortunately, where I live I don't get much chance to see Bald Eagles in the sky. But I do see a lot of Bald Eagle patches being worn by bikers and military people.
I know...it's not the same thing. Believe me, I know. But the symbolism of the Bald Eagle speaks the same message whether it's live, on a back patch, drawn in a painting, or inked on a tattoo. It means freedom; it means liberty; it means all those things that makes America what it is.
It's long been said that America is a melting pot. We know that's true. But you know what's so cool about that? The Bald Eagle means freedom to all Americans, regardless of ethnic heritage. Just to prove my point, thecheapplace.com has this Italian Eagle Patch which consists of the standard Bad Eagle with outstretched wings that we're all familiar with. Only the right wing is decked in the American flag while the left is decked with the Italian flag. I'm not Italian, but if I was, that patch would be a candidate to get sewn onto something I owned.
I'm also a big fan of the Americas Freedom 2nd Amendment Patch that thecheapplace.com has. I'm a firm believer in second amendment rights, to the extent that I recently bought a new pistol and shoulder holster. That patch would be awesome against the black nylon shoulder pad.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that the Bald Eagle means something to me. It may mean nothing to you, and that's okay. But to me it's all about what makes our country the greatest place in the world to live free. As I look around the political landscape it seems as though our freedom is being slowly but purposely taken away. That makes it so much more valuable to me now.
Did you know that at one time the Bald Eagle had almost completely disappeared from the continental U.S.? It's true. The federal government had to put it on the endangered species list until the population rebounded and stabilized. That sort reminds me of where we are now with our freedom. It's being endangered. But if we ll do our part to preserve it, it will rebound and stabilize in no time. If an eagle patch or two can help that along, I say go for it.
