Our Nation's Symbol Was Almost The Turkey...
After the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a committee was formed to come up with an idea for the new country's seal. The committee members were Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. The idea they selected was of a woman representing liberty, and holding a shield that would represent the states. Congress didn't like it, and hired an artist that came up with a design that included an eagle.
Franklin didn't like the eagle idea, claiming the bird was of "bad moral character" because they had a tendency to 'steal' from other birds who had worked hard for their catch. Franklin argued that the turkey, being an American native as well, and much more respectable, would make a better symbol for the new United States.
Congress did not agree, and the bald eagle was decided upon.
Thank goodness.
Imagine eating bald eagles instead of turkeys on Thanksgiving.
He doesn't look crazy about the idea either.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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