Weird story on my Facebook wall, cited from a local Belgian media source (no link). This American Bald Eagle escaped from a zoo in France and flew north to be found in somebodies garden in Bastogne. The man pictured caught the eagle (it was in pretty bad shape) and the locals are caring for it until it can be returned to the zoo that lost it. It is creating quite a sensation in Bastogne. And yes, yes, I know it's just a weird coincidence, but it still gives me a warm feeling.
Maybe I'm overly skeptical, but a photo & an amazingly coincidental story with no citation on social media does not do much for me.
It's a nice story if true, yet the true story of the original "Screamin' Eagle" is even better. The 101st Airborne was originally the 101st Infantry Division, an organized reserve outfit based in Wisconsin. The eagle badge commemorated the Civil War mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. In 1861 Captain Perkins of the 8th purchased a semi-tame eagle which was promptly named "Old Abe." Old Abe traveled with the regiment on a portable perch, which was borne into battle alongside the regimental colors. He was with the regiment in every fight, and combat seems to have excited him; at the Battle of Corinth, he broke lose from his tether and flew above the battle screaming. Old Abe lived through the whole war and for years after it, often appearing at veterans reunions and patriotic celebrations.
The Bastogne story is apparently true. It has appeared on several Belgian and Luxembourg news sites. The bird was caught by a Bastogne farmer named Pascal Georges, after it ate one of his chickens. Bastogne : l’aigle fugueur du zoo d’Amnéville attrapé à mains nues…