Phyllis Schlafly chose the American Bald Eagle as the name and the symbol of Eagle Forum, because she thought these birds were beautiful and majestic, so they symbolize the beauty and majesty of our great country. As an added bonus, these birds mate for life. The mission of Eagle Forum is the American family; that's why members are called "eagles".

When Congress adopted the bald eagle as our national symbol in 1782, there were plenty of eagles in the United States, but by 1963, there were only 417 eagles left in the entire country. Phyllis Schlafly believed that the bald eagle was worth saving and celebrating — just like her campaign to save and celebrate the American family. Phyllis appreciated underdogs (or, in this case, underbirds) because she was an underdog. No one could have predicted that a housewife from a town of 35,000 in the middle of America could have such an enormous impact on our country.

The protection and restoration of bald eagles is a success story; in 2021, the eagle population in the U.S. reached more than 300,000. Our national symbol is safe. The Alton, Illinois area where my mother spent much of her life is now home to hundreds of eagles, who gather every January and feast in the waters of the Mississippi.

Today is the celebration of my mother's 99th birthday. As I honor and celebrate her extraordinary life, I am also reminded of her devotion to eagles. Her home was filled with eagle memorabilia. She wore her Eagle Pin every day, which symbolized her membership in Eagle Forum.

Join the Eagles and wear our membership pin! Eagles are fearless and devoted to faith, family, and country!