2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 17
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
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 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 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 17
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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 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.
Senator Mary Felzkowski
President of the Senate
Representative Robin J. Vos
Speaker of the Assembly
Date
Edward A. Blazel
Assembly Chief Clerk