ENROLLED
2017 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 45
BY REPRESENTATIVES STEVE CARTER, JAMES, JORDAN, MACK, MARCELLE,
POPE, PRICE, SCHEXNAYDER, SMITH, AND THIBAUT
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To recognize and commemorate the bicentennial of Baton Rouge's incorporation as a city,
and to encourage participation in the year-long Baton Rouge bicentennial
celebration.
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to commemorate the bicentennial of the incorporation
of the city of Baton Rouge as the city's unique history and heritage are celebrated; and
WHEREAS, the city of Baton Rouge was incorporated two hundred years ago this
year through legislation entitled "An Act to regulate the police and government of the town
of Baton Rouge"; and
WHEREAS, this measure was approved on January 17, 1817, by Jacques Villeré,
Louisiana's second governor, at a time when Acts of the Legislature were not numbered and
were printed in both English and French; and
WHEREAS, since the time of the first European settlement in 1721 of the place that
would become Baton Rouge, seven flags have flown over this city, including the Fleur de
Lys of the French Bourbons, the crosses of England, the arms of Castile, the blue banner and
white star of the West Florida Republic, the stars and stripes of the United States of America,
the stars and bars of the Confederate States of America, and the banner of the sovereign state
of Louisiana for a short period during the Civil War; and
WHEREAS, a committee formed under the administration of former mayor Melvin
L. "Kip" Holden and composed of representatives from Baton Rouge businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and institutions has worked diligently to promote the Baton Rouge
bicentennial brand and logo to the public, and to build the city's year-long bicentennial
celebration as an ongoing grassroots effort led by citizens who call Baton Rouge home; and
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WHEREAS, the celebration of the Baton Rouge bicentennial began under Mayor
Holden and continues under the administration of Mayor Sharon Weston Broome; and
WHEREAS, the bicentennial's official kickoff event took place on December 31,
2016, at Red Stick Revelry, Baton Rouge's annual New Year's Eve festival; and
WHEREAS, the year-long bicentennial celebration will culminate under Mayor
Broome's leadership at Red Stick Revelry in 2017; and
WHEREAS, the bicentennial of Baton Rouge merits special recognition, for it
celebrates the tremendous pride and honor that the city, with its rich history and distinctive
culture, has brought to our state and to the United States for the past two centuries.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
recognize and commemorate the bicentennial of Baton Rouge's incorporation as a city on
January 17, 1817.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all people within and outside of Louisiana's
borders are hereby welcomed and encouraged to take part in the year-long Baton Rouge
bicentennial celebration.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the mayor-president of the city of Baton Rouge and parish of East Baton Rouge, to each
member of the Metropolitan Council of the city of Baton Rouge and parish of East Baton
Rouge, and to the president and chief executive officer of Visit Baton Rouge.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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