HR911: HR911 Freedom; live bald eagle mascot of Georgia Southern University; condolences

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives commemorates Freedom, a male Southern bald eagle who served as Georgia Southern University's live mascot since 2004. Freedom was rescued as a young bird from a nest in Maitland, Florida, after sustaining a permanent beak injury, and the university, with permission from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, gave him a home at its Center for Wildlife Education and Lamar Q. Ball Jr. Raptor Center. The resolution recounts Freedom's public appearances, including flights over Allen E. Paulson Stadium before football games, the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade, commencement ceremonies, and educational events, and credits him with advancing wildlife education. It formally recognizes his life and contributions and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to Georgia Southern University.

• Formally recognizes and honors the life and contributions of Freedom, Georgia Southern University's live bald eagle mascot.
• Expresses the House of Representatives' condolences on Freedom's death on March 29, 2025.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Georgia Southern University.

This resolution directly concerns Georgia Southern University, its Center for Wildlife Education and Lamar Q. Ball Jr. Raptor Center, and the university's students, alumni, faculty, and fans, along with the Clerk of the House of Representatives who must distribute the resolution.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect but serves as an official state legislative acknowledgment of a beloved university mascot's death, giving Georgia Southern University's community a formal record of recognition from the state legislature.

• The whereas clauses describe Freedom's history: rescued in 2004 from Maitland, Florida, with a permanent beak injury, and housed at Georgia Southern's Center for Wildlife Education with federal permission.
• The resolved clause formally honors Freedom's life and contributions and extends condolences on his passing.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to Georgia Southern University.

1. 2025-04-02House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-04-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-04-02House Hopper (House)

• Jon Burns (R, HD-159)Primary sponsor

• Georgia Southern University
• bald eagle mascot
• commemorative resolution
• wildlife education