The Bald Eagle’s undeniable majesty has earned it longtime status as the mascot of the United States, but the bird also has ...

WASHINGTON — The bald eagle, a symbol of the power and strength of the United States for more than 240 years, earned an overdue honor on Tuesday: It officially became the country’s national bird.

The bald eagle, a symbol of the power and strength of the United States for more than 240 years, earned an overdue honor on Tuesday: It officially became the country’s national bird.

Each time a new state joins the United States, a new star gets added to the flag. For example, when Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959, the 50th star was added to the flag the following year.

The Flag Act of 1777: The Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act on June 14, 1777, with the following resolution: "Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes ...