Almost six months ago, Georgia Southern University suffered the loss of its live bald eagle mascot, Freedom. While representing the university and flying high over Paulson Stadium was what endeared him to many, Freedom did so much more. To honor him, Georgia Southern commissioned a statue of Freedom that sits at the entrance to Paulson Stadium. The unveiling ceremony was held on September 12, the day before the first home football game.
On the arm of his handler and “plus one,” Steve Hein, Freedom served as a symbol of hope, resilience, unity, and countless other things for so many people, bringing them together through the one thing they had in common—him.
“I look at my life and my job as being bringing people together,” Hein said, “and Freedom did that in a way that I could never come close to, but it was wonderful being a part of that.”
Freedom’s capability to bring people together did not end with his passing. This was evident most recently during a statue dedication and celebration of life in his honor. With dozens of spectators present, including some notable guests—Speaker Jon Burns of the Georgia House of Representatives, Senator Billy Hickman of the Georgia Senate, University President Kyle Marrero, and Hein, the Director of the Wildlife Center.
The dedication began with words of remembrance from President Marrero, who remarked on Freedom’s enduring legacy and prominence within Georgia Southern history.
“He inspired thousands, flying over Paulson Stadium, leading us at commencements and parades, and representing us across the state and the country,” Marrero said.
Later in the ceremony, Hein spoke of the close partnership he shared with Freedom and the significance their twenty-one years together had on his life, invoking the following quote from the American writer Mark Twain:
“The two most important days of your life are the day you were born, and the day that you find out why.”
“I found my purpose, my why,” Hein said, “to bring people together. Just to be his plus one, the who and why is fulfilled, and it is fulfilled because of Freedom.”
Hein then introduced Speaker John Burns and Senator Billy Hickman, who each read the resolutions from the Georgia House of Representatives and Georgia Senate, honoring Freedom and cementing his indelible mark on Georgia’s history.
Finally, Athletic Director Chris Davis spoke just before the new statue was unveiled, emphasizing once more the impact Freedom had on Eagle Nation.
“He carried with him our traditions, our spirit, and the hopes of thousands who looked to the sky, and saw not only an eagle, but a symbol of what it means to be a part of this place,” said Davis.
Although Freedom has passed away, he is far from gone. The legacy of Georgia Southern University’s first live bald eagle mascot will not be forgotten. Freedom lives on—not just in bronze effigy, but in the hearts and minds of every student, every spectator, and every member of Eagle Nation who looks to the sky and aims to soar beyond.
