2025 - 2026 LEGISLATURE
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2025 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 17
March 11, 2025 - Introduced by Representatives FRANKLIN, HURD, DITTRICH,
GUNDRUM, KNODL, MURPHY, MURSAU, O'CONNOR, PENTERMAN and TITTL,
cosponsored by Senators CABRAL-GUEVARA, HESSELBEIN and SPREITZER.
Referred to Committee on Rules.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Relating to: proclaiming the week of April 14, 2025, as Two Lights for Tomorrow
Week in the state of Wisconsin.
Whereas, the Wisconsin Legislature recognizes the importance of honoring
and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation and
reminding our citizens of the vital significance and relevance of our founding
principles and ideals that created a unique national identity worth fighting for; and
Whereas, the events of 1775 that began the revolution the year before
independence was declared are significant moments that signaled the creation of a
national identity and unity of purpose that transcended traditional geographic,
cultural, and societal divides; and
Whereas, individuals and communities across all the colonies came together
to support their fellow countrymen; and
Whereas, on the evening of April 18, 1775, with impending hostile action from
the British army in Boston, Massachusetts, Paul Revere and William Dawes along
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with other alarm riders undertook a perilous ride to alert everyone in the
countryside of the coming danger; and
Whereas, preceding their departure from Boston, a prearranged signal was
set in the Old North Church steeple to ensure that the message got out and did not
solely rely on just one or two alarm riders; and
Whereas, the two lanterns that were the signal were immortalized in Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow[s poem Paul Revere[s Ride as Xone if by land, and two if by
seaY and have become an enduring symbol of American vigilance, perseverance,
and preparedness in the face of adversity; and
Whereas, those alarm riders and the citizens that answered the call to arms to
serve and defend their fellow countrymen that night and the following day at the
Battles of Lexington and Concord exemplify the spirit of community and shared
responsibility that has defined our nation since its inception; and
Whereas, we are reminded, 250 years later, that the call for unity and the call
to serve each other is no less relevant today than it was then; and
Whereas, a national initiative has been proposed by the staff of the Wisconsin
Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial Commission that two lights
be displayed in public spaces across the country for all to see, marking that
significant anniversary in April 2025 and the beginning of the 250th anniversary
commemorations leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of
Independence on July 4, 2026; and
Whereas, state commissions, state governments, federal agencies, and
community, heritage, and historical organizations across the country have eagerly
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endorsed the initiative, have pledged to support it and participate in it, and have
encouraged others to do the same; and
Whereas, some participating entities have also pledged to encourage a day of
community service on April 19, 2025, as a way to encourage understanding about
the true meaning of these historical commemorations, knowing that these events
are not just marking history for history[s sake but rather encouraging reflection on
the idea that all of these historic events were endeavoring toward one common goal:
the chance for a better tomorrow, together; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of
the Wisconsin Legislature do hereby proclaim the week of April 14, 2025, as Two
Lights for Tomorrow Week and call on all citizens to unite in remembrance of our
shared history, honoring the sacrifices made by those who fought for our
independence and reminding ourselves of the values we hold dear today; and, be it
further
Resolved, That the Wisconsin Legislature encourages all government
buildings, community centers, public spaces, and citizens to take part in this
symbolic display by prominently displaying two lights for all to see during the week
of April 14, 2025, and to reflect on how those lights shining out in the darkness
during this vigil symbolically illustrate our ongoing journey as a nation.
(END)
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