Nearly every American can identify the bald eagle as our country’s national symbol, purveyor of our proud heritage. Formerly declared endangered and facing extinction, in just the last fifteen years, the eagle population has quadrupled. Eagles are now spotted in areas it was feared they would never soar again: the Mississippi river bluffs, the plains of the Midwest, the east coast, the west, literally from sea to shining sea.
The Great Seal of the United States of America, adopted in 1782, features a bald eagle with a banner in its beak reading “E pluribus unum”—"out of many, one.” The seal represents strength, freedom, and independence and is a symbol of our nation's sovereignty. It is used to authenticate official documents.
It has been used a great many times in the Oval Office since January 20th.
At the latest attraction in Las Vegas, The Sphere, the ’70s rock group, The Eagles, has been thrilling their sold-out audiences. Billed as “The Long Goodbye Tour,” Don Henley and Deacon Fry (Glenn Fry’s son, who sounds just like him, Glenn died in 2016), Joe Walsh, and Vince Gill deliver, as always, phenomenally. The Sphere’s visuals enhance this magical musical tour, and the entire journey reminds us of all we had and all we have.
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After spotting an eagle soaring above them, Don Henley came up with the band's name when they were photographed for their debut album at Joshua Tree National Park. The Eagles went on to captivate fans worldwide, and “Eagles—Their Greatest Hits” was the best-selling record of the 20th Century.
Not only was the group’s music astronomically popular then, but it is still popular today. Teenagers, as well as great-grandparents, know the lyrics to “Hotel California” and “Desperado,” the melody to “Tequila Sunrise” or “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” The Eagles’ hit songs are the soundtrack of our last fifty years.
There is a malady spreading across our country and our world. There is a sense that things are moving too fast, ideals and principles are running helter-skelter, fears abound, and even resignation. Many seem to be enveloped in quiet despair.
But if we embrace the idea that “the true greatness of nations is in those qualities which constitute the greatness of the individual” (Charles Sumner), we realize how important it is to remain hopeful.
The Eagles are not oracles; the lyrics of their songs were likely written to collaborate melodies, not make social statements. Yet they captured a hopeful and heady time in America, and the words of their music ring with deep and universal truths:
“We are all prisoners here, of our own device…” (“Hotel California”)
Indeed. Too often, we forget that we have the most freedom and the best circumstances of any person ever born, at any time, in any place, right now. Unless disputing historical facts, we think we don’t.
“You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” (“Hotel California”)
True. If we “check out” the issues, we will still remain.
Or “I’m going back in time and it’s a sweet dream…I would be all right, if I could just go on sleeping…” (“Best of My Love”)
But we can’t just go on sleeping. We’re alive to be alive. We can sleep when we’re dead. The Eagles did not play funeral dirges.
So, what advice might we give this “Tic-Tock-around-the-clock” younger generation? And what advice might we offer ourselves?
Perhaps this: that we each have a crucial part to play, not only in the course of our own lives, but in the direction of our country. And that there is always hope. Evidence enough in the bald eagle returning from the brink of extinction to soar our skies. And with The Eagles, inspiring us fifty years ago and continuing to inspire us now.
So, take heart. “Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.” After all, “we may lose, or we may win, but we’ll never be here again.” (“Take It Easy”)
Let’s make the most of it.
James Coan is the co-founder and executive director of More Like US. Coan can be contacted at James@morelikeus.org
