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Concurrent Resolution Celebrating the 250th
Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Ryan D. Wilcox
Senate Sponsor:
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LONG TITLE
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General Description:
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This concurrent resolution celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the
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Declaration of Independence.
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Highlighted Provisions:
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This resolution:
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▸ celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on
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July 4, 2026;
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▸ declares the first week of July 2025 and July 2026 as Independence Week;
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▸ recognizes the work of Utah's America250 Commission (Commission);
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▸ supports the Commission's vision to educate, engage, and unite Utahns through
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programing and events that celebrate and honor the anniversary; and
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▸ encourages participation in programs and events overseen by the Commission and the
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Department of Cultural and Community Engagement.
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Money Appropriated in this Bill:
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None
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Other Special Clauses:
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None
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Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
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WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
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Independence;
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WHEREAS, in 2023, Governor Cox and the Legislature created Utah's America250
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Commission (Commission) with the charge to create opportunities for Utahns to celebrate
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during the years leading up to and including the anniversary year;
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WHEREAS, the Commission is committed to honor the signing of the Declaration of
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Independence as a pivotal moment in American history through the unique and rich lens of
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Utah's heritage;
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WHEREAS, the Commission endeavors to spark education, engagement, and unity across
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Utah, bringing together individuals from all walks of life in a shared journey of historical
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discovery and reflection;
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WHEREAS, the statewide kick-off and programing for America250 Utah starts July 1,
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2025, and will culminate in July 2026;
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WHEREAS, America250 Utah's programming will address education, engagement, and
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unity;
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WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision to increase civics education among all Utahns
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includes:
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• every school and each classroom finding ways to commemorate the anniversary
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throughout the 2025-2026 school year;
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• each university and institution of higher education commemorating through
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themed-speakers, organized volunteering, and campus-wide activities that connect the
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Founding to Utah's heritage and history;
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• all citizens engaging with and studying the history of the Founding through local and state
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historical exhibits and resources, national programs and competitions, local library books and
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programming for youth and adults, and educational speaker events and panel discussions; and
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• members of the Legislature working with teachers in local schools;
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WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision for local communities to engage Utahns of all ages
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and backgrounds includes:
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• every county and as many cities as possible becoming Utah250 Communities and
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partnering with the Commission;
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• individuals and communities finding ways to share stories of hard work, doing their part,
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innovation, and entrepreneurship;
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• all Utahns taking steps to improve their communities, state, and nation through
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volunteerism and service;
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• local celebrations honoring the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans; and
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• celebrating Utah's physical landscape by walking, hiking, or otherwise engaging in the
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natural environment of Utah; and
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WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision to unite and create connection includes all Utahns
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participating in America's Potluck on Sunday, July 5, 2026, for a shared meal and connection:
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
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Governor concurring therein, declares the first week of July 2025 and July 2026 as
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Independence Week, marking the start and the culmination of the America250 Utah
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celebration season.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor emphasize the
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importance of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
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Independence.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor support the programs
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and events overseen by the Commission and the Department of Cultural and Community
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Engagement, including statewide service initiatives, civics education for teachers, speaker
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series, touring exhibitions, and community gatherings.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage counties
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and cities to engage with the state's initiative as Utah250 Communities and organize their own
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celebrations and programming.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor direct Utah's local
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schools and higher education institutions to incorporate the anniversary into their curriculum
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and events during the 2025-2026 school year.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage its
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members to directly participate in the schools and communities within their districts during
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Constitution Week in September, 2025, and throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
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