High above us, Ernest the Eagle Statue commands attention. This bronze sculpture embodies our nation’s spirit. It stands as a symbol of freedom. Let me tell you the story of this magnificent monument.
Ernest the Eagle is located at the corner of 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. It marks the northwest corner of what was once Pershing Park in downtown D.C. Brian Bex, of the American Communications Network, commissioned the sculpture. Lorenzo E. Ghiglieri, a renowned sculptor and painter, created it. His works grace places like The White House and even the Vatican.
Upon its completion, Bex gifted Ernest the Eagle Statue to the National Wildlife Federation. In 1982, the Federation turned it over to the National Park Service. This commemorated the bicentennial of the eagle as the nation’s symbol.
The statue depicts a bald eagle, our nation’s emblem. Its talons grip a globe. The sculpture rests on a 5-foot tall Dakota mahogany granite pedestal. The Providence Granite Company created the pedestal.
The base features plaques with inspiring words. One reads, “Free men must re-dedicate themselves to the cause of freedom.” It emphasizes the importance of individual freedom. The quote continues. “Human individuality is the basis of every value—spirituality, moral, intellectual, creative—in human life.” Another plaque speaks to freedom of conscience. “Freedom is the right to one’s soul. It is the right of each person to approach God in his own way.”
While you are here admiring Ernest the Eagle Statue, take time to reflect. Consider the values it represents. Think about freedom, individuality, and the American spirit. Also, notice the nearby National World War I Memorial. It opened on April 17, 2021. A relief sculpture, “A Soldier’s Journey,” will be added. It will be the largest free-standing bronze relief in the Western Hemisphere.
Ernest the Eagle is more than just a statue. It is a reminder of our nation’s ideals. It is a tribute to the enduring spirit of freedom. Its presence enriches the park. It gives all who see it pause for reflection. It is worth seeing and remembering.