Read the full stored bill text
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2285
Page 1 of 3
XXXX 3/19/2026 10:01 AM Jacketed
A RESOLUTION commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the 1
United States of America. 2
WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, marks the 250th Anniversary, or Semiquinc entennial, of 3
the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in 4
Philadelphia in 1776, signifying the founding of the United States of America; and 5
WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence opens with the profound statemen t 6
acknowledging "when in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one 7
people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to 8
assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws 9
of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them," therefore laying the foundation for which 10
our nation was to be built upon the self -evident truth that all men are created equal and 11
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that amo ng these 12
are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness; and 13
WHEREAS, the founding of the United States established the principles of 14
separation of powers, states' rights, and federalism, emphasizing a decentralized system 15
of government wherein powers are divided between national and state governments, 16
fostering liberty, accountability, and shared sovereignty; and 17
WHEREAS, this decentralized governance model has allowed for a unique form of 18
limited government with a strong level of accountability to the ci tizens of each state, 19
ensuring that government remains close to and reflective of the people's will, operating 20
out of the belief that in order to secure the people's rights, governments instituted by men 21
derive their powers from the consent of those they govern; and 22
WHEREAS, the signers of the Declaration of Independence, with a firm reliance on 23
the protection of Divine providence, pledged to one another their lives, their fortunes, and 24
their sacred honor, and appealed to the Supreme Judge of the world to v alidate the moral 25
integrity, righteousness, and justness of the founders' intentions to declare the right to be 26
free and independent states, and therefore a free and independent people; and 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2285
Page 2 of 3
XXXX 3/19/2026 10:01 AM Jacketed
WHEREAS, the founding of the United States initiated a journey tow ard forming a 1
"more perfect Union," marked by historic achievements, struggles, and progress in 2
realizing the nation's founding ideals for all its citizens; and 3
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Kentucky has played a significant role 4
throughout the history of t he United States, contributing to the nation's development, 5
economy, and defense through the efforts and sacrifices of its citizens, and to the creation 6
of the American culture of liberty, independence, and prosperity; and 7
WHEREAS, the Semiquincentennial offers a unique opportunity for the people of 8
Kentucky to reflect on our history, honor the contributions of all Americans, celebrate 9
our heritage of liberty, and look forward to the future we strive to create for subsequent 10
generations; and 11
WHEREAS, George Washington acknowledged the value of protecting our liberty 12
through future generations in stating, "a primary object should be the education of our 13
youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowled ge can be 14
equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are 15
to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?"; and 16
WHEREAS, commemorative activities across Kentucky will provide educational 17
opportunities, fost er civic engagement, encourage community participation, and 18
strengthen appreciation for our unique and rich history, the principles of federalism and 19
self-governance, and foundational ideals upon which both the nation and our 20
Commonwealth were built; 21
NOW, THEREFORE, 22
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 23
Kentucky: 24
Section 1. The Senate hereby recognizes and commemorates the upcoming 25
250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America on July 4, 2026. 26
Section 2. The Senate encourages all citizens, communities, educational 27
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 2285
Page 3 of 3
XXXX 3/19/2026 10:01 AM Jacketed
institutions, civic organizations, and businesses within the Commonwealth of Kentucky 1
to participate in commemorative events and activities that reflect on our history, celebrate 2
our achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of civil, political and 3
religious liberty, equality, self-government, and federalism, upholding our gratefulness to 4
Almighty God and invoking the continuance of these many blessings. 5
Section 3. The Senate strongly encourages educational i nstitutions across the 6
Commonwealth of Kentucky to enhance civics education, ensuring that future 7
generations understand the critical importance of active civic participation, the principles 8
of federalism, and the decentralized governance that protects lib erty and promotes 9
responsive government. 10
Section 4. The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of this 11
Resolution to Senator Lindsey Tichenor and Senator Steve Rawlings. 12