Daniel Rodriguez Media Archives

 It was an honor to be asked to participate in this auspicious ceremony commemorating the recovery of the American Bald Eagle and the removal of this symbol of freedom from the list of endangered species.  I was also very excited to once again be working with Challenger.

The last time I worked with Challenger, was at Yankee stadium at one of the many games I participated in after 9/11.  I'm reminded of a funny story that occurred during one such game.  Before the singing of the National Anthem, I met with Challenger and his handler Al Cecere (Challenger is a bald eagle that travels the country raising awareness regarding the plight of bald eagles).  Al asked if I would sing the National Anthem for him, so that he could get a time.  The idea was to release Challenger from the outfield at the same time as “the land of the free” was sung, he would then fly to second base, and I was to time my ending of the Anthem with Challenger’s landing.

I began the Anthem as usual, and felt an overwhelming sense of patriotic pride when I reached “the land of the free," and Challenger began his flight.  I continued singing as Challenger soared toward second base.  As I finished “the home of the brave",  I  was waiting for him to land.  As I held the last note, it looked like Challenger saw a passing pigeon, and took off again.  

I must have held that last note for what seemed like an eternity, and was nearly out of breath, when he finally decided to come in for a landing.  Fortunately, history did not repeat itself this morning.  I sang the National Anthem and Challenger flew across the Memorial.  

It was fitting that the ceremony be held at the Jefferson Memorial because President Thomas Jefferson was one of the founding fathers who made the decision to make this majestic bird the symbol of our nation. I was impressed by Scott Aikin, an Native American holy man who blessed the ceremony. His words spoke of the spirit of the eagle and of the four winds that carry the eagle.  He sang a traditional blessing that his grandfather taught him, and I was moved by the beautiful tones that came from this spiritual person.  I look forward to our paths crossing again.  

It is said by Native American cultures that the eagle is the only creature to have seen the face of God.  It is not hard to see when you look at the majesty and grace of such a beautiful animal. ~Daniel