HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY (SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL) OF THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the official text

H8537 2026 -- H 8537 ======== LC006424 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N COMMEMORATING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY (SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL) OF THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Introduced By: Representatives J. Brien, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Kennedy, Santucci, Shallcross Smith, Bennett, Corvese, and Fascia Date Introduced: May 12, 2026 Referred To: House read and passed 1 WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary, or Semiquincentennial, of the 2 adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia 3 in 1776, signifying the founding of the United States of America; and 4 WHEREAS, The Declaration of Independence proclaimed timeless principles of 5 profound significance to the national heritage of the United States, including that all are created 6 equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of 7 happiness, and that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed; and 8 WHEREAS, The founding of the United States established the principle of federalism, 9 emphasizing a decentralized system of government wherein powers are divided between national 10 and state governments, fostering liberty, accountability, and responsiveness to local communities; 11 and 12 WHEREAS, This decentralized governance model has allowed for innovation, diverse 13 policy approaches, and stronger accountability to the citizens of each state, ensuring that 14 government remains close to and reflective of the people’s will; and 15 WHEREAS, The founding of the United States initiated a journey toward forming a 16 “more perfect Union,” marked by historic achievements, struggles, and progress in realizing the 17 nation’s founding ideals for all its citizens; and 18 WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island has played a significant role throughout the 19 history of the United States, contributing to the nation’s development, culture, economy, and 1 defense through the efforts and sacrifices of its citizens; and 2 WHEREAS, The Semiquincentennial offers a unique opportunity for the people of Rhode 3 Island to reflect on our shared history, honor the diverse contributions of all Americans, celebrate 4 our heritage of liberty, and look forward to the future we strive to create for subsequent 5 generations; and 6 WHEREAS, Commemorative activities across Rhode Island will provide educational 7 opportunities, foster civic engagement, encourage community participation, and strengthen 8 appreciation for the history, federalist principles, and foundational ideals upon which both the 9 nation and our state were built; now, therefore be it 10 RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 11 recognizes and commemorates the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United 12 States of America on July 4, 2026; and be it further 13 RESOLVED, That we encourage all citizens, communities, educational institutions, civic 14 organizations, and businesses within Rhode Island to participate in commemorative events and 15 activities that reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to 16 the ideals of liberty, equality, self-government, and federalism; and be it further 17 RESOLVED, That the legislature strongly encourages educational institutions across 18 Rhode Island to enhance civics education, ensuring that future generations understand the critical 19 importance of active civic participation, the principles of federalism, and the decentralized 20 governance that protects liberty and promotes responsive government; and be it further 21 RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 22 transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, 23 Daniel J. McKee. ======== LC006424 ======== LC006424 - Page 2 of 2