Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Texas’ 2nd district, shared reflections on American symbols and traditions in a series of tweets posted on July 4, 2025.
In one tweet, Crenshaw remarked on the symbolism of the Bald Eagle as an emblem for the United States. He stated that “The Bald Eagle was chosen in 1782 to represent the United States — beating out Ben Franklin’s preferred bird: the turkey.” He emphasized the eagle’s characteristics: “The eagle is bold. It doesn’t flock. It soars alone. It sees far and acts fast.” This choice of national symbol reflects America’s distinct identity amid global monarchies and empires.
Another tweet highlighted the historical figure Uncle Sam, explaining that “Uncle Sam wasn’t born on the Fourth of July, but he’s been recruiting Americans to believe in something bigger ever since.” Crenshaw noted that Uncle Sam’s name originated from Samuel Wilson, a New York meat packer whose barrels were marked with “U.S.” during the War of 1812.
Crenshaw also recounted early Fourth of July celebrations with his followers by tweeting that “The first Fourth of July parades date back to the Revolution, when towns rang bells, marched down dirt roads, and read the Declaration aloud for all to hear.” He pointed out that these parades were not about spectacle but served as a reminder of what people were fighting for.
Dan Crenshaw has represented Texas’s 2nd District since replacing Ted Poe in 2019. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1984 and currently residing in Humble, he graduated from Tufts University with a BA in 2006.
