A Resolution Commemorating the 250th Anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the Founding of the United States of America

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Policy Status

  • Type: Model Resolution
  • Status: Draft
  • Date Introduced: July 18, 2025

Task Forces

  • Education and Workforce Development

    • Tags

  • 2025 Annual Meeting

    • Summary

    In honor of America’s Semiquincentennial, this resolution encourages citizens, schools, and other government institutions to reflect on American history, celebrate America’s success and achievements, and encourage civic participation amongst younger generations.
    Draft

    A Resolution Commemorating the 250th Anniversary (Semiquincentennial) of the Founding of the United States of America

    WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary, or Semiquincentennial, of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776, signifying the founding of the United States of America; and 

    WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed timeless principles of profound significance to the national heritage of the United States, including that all are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed; and 

    WHEREAS, the founding of the United States established the principle of federalism, emphasizing a decentralized system of government wherein powers are divided between national and state governments, fostering liberty, accountability, and responsiveness to local communities; and 

    WHEREAS, this decentralized governance model has allowed for innovation, diverse policy approaches, and stronger accountability to the citizens of each state, ensuring that government remains close to and reflective of the people’s will; and 

    WHEREAS, the founding of the United States initiated a journey toward forming a “more perfect Union,” marked by historic achievements, struggles, and progress in realizing the nation’s founding ideals for all its citizens; and 

    WHEREAS, the State of [insert State] has played a significant role throughout the history of the United States, contributing to the nation’s development, culture, economy, and defense through the efforts and sacrifices of its citizens; and 

    WHEREAS, the Semiquincentennial offers a unique opportunity for the people of [insert State] to reflect on our shared history, honor the diverse contributions of all Americans, celebrate our heritage of liberty, and look forward to the future we strive to create for subsequent generations; and 

    WHEREAS, commemorative activities across [insert State] will provide educational opportunities, foster civic engagement, encourage community participation, and strengthen appreciation for the history, federalist principles, and foundational ideals upon which both the nation and our state were built; 

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF [insert State]: 

    We hereby recognize and commemorate the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America on July 4, 2026; and 

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage all citizens, communities, educational institutions, civic organizations, and businesses within [insert State] to participate in commemorative events and activities that reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of liberty, equality, self-government, and federalism; and 

    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the legislature strongly encourages educational institutions across [insert State] to enhance civics education, ensuring that future generations understand the critical importance of active civic participation, the principles of federalism, and the decentralized governance that protects liberty and promotes responsive government.