| R 308 |
| 2026 -- H 8537 Enacted 05/12/2026 |
| 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 |
| WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary, or Semiquincentennial, of the |
| adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia |
| in 1776, signifying the founding of the United States of America; and |
| WHEREAS, The Declaration of Independence proclaimed timeless principles of |
| profound significance to the national heritage of the United States, including that all are created |
| equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of |
| happiness, and that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed; and |
| WHEREAS, The founding of the United States established the principle of federalism, |
| emphasizing a decentralized system of government wherein powers are divided between national |
| and state governments, fostering liberty, accountability, and responsiveness to local communities; |
| and |
| WHEREAS, This decentralized governance model has allowed for innovation, diverse |
| policy approaches, and stronger accountability to the citizens of each state, ensuring that |
| government remains close to and reflective of the people’s will; and |
| WHEREAS, The founding of the United States initiated a journey toward forming a |
| “more perfect Union,” marked by historic achievements, struggles, and progress in realizing the |
| nation’s founding ideals for all its citizens; and |
| WHEREAS, The State of Rhode Island has played a significant role throughout the |
| history of the United States, contributing to the nation’s development, culture, economy, and |
| defense through the efforts and sacrifices of its citizens; and |
| WHEREAS, The Semiquincentennial offers a unique opportunity for the people of Rhode |
| Island to reflect on our shared history, honor the diverse contributions of all Americans, celebrate |
| our heritage of liberty, and look forward to the future we strive to create for subsequent |
| generations; and |
| WHEREAS, Commemorative activities across Rhode Island will provide educational |
| opportunities, foster civic engagement, encourage community participation, and strengthen |
| appreciation for the history, federalist principles, and foundational ideals upon which both the |
| nation and our state were built; now, therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby |
| recognizes and commemorates the upcoming 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United |
| States of America on July 4, 2026; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That we encourage all citizens, communities, educational institutions, civic |
| organizations, and businesses within Rhode Island to participate in commemorative events and |
| activities that reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to |
| the ideals of liberty, equality, self-government, and federalism; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the legislature strongly encourages educational institutions across |
| Rhode Island to enhance civics education, ensuring that future generations understand the critical |
| importance of active civic participation, the principles of federalism, and the decentralized |
| governance that protects liberty and promotes responsive government; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
| transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Governor of the State of Rhode Island, |
| Daniel J. McKee. |
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| LC006424 |
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