Concurrent Resolution Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

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Concurrent Resolution Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
2026 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Ryan D. Wilcox
Senate Sponsor: Keven J. Stratton
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This concurrent resolution celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the
Declaration of Independence.
Highlighted Provisions:
This resolution:
celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on
July 4, 2026;
declares the first week of July 2026 as Independence Week;
recognizes the work of Utah's America250 Commission (Commission);
supports the Commission's vision to educate, engage, and unite Utahns through programs
and events that celebrate and honor the anniversary;
encourages local participation in programs and events overseen by the Commission, the
Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, and local Utah250 Communities;
and
directs local school districts, charter schools, and institutions of higher education to
instruct and engage students through educational programming recognizing the
anniversary year.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
Independence;
WHEREAS, in 2023, Governor Cox and the Legislature created Utah's America250
Commission (Commission) with the charge to create opportunities for Utahns to celebrate
during the years leading up to and including the anniversary year;
WHEREAS, the Commission is committed to honor the signing of the Declaration of
Independence as a pivotal moment in American history through the unique and rich lens of
Utah's heritage;
WHEREAS, the Commission endeavors to spark education, engagement, and unity across
Utah, bringing together individuals from all walks of life in a shared journey of historical
discovery and reflection;
WHEREAS, the statewide kick-off for America250 Utah began on July 1, 2025, and will
culminate in July 2026;
WHEREAS, America250 Utah's programming addresses education, engagement, and unity;
WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision to increase civics education among all Utahns
includes:
every school and each classroom finding ways to commemorate the anniversary during the
2026 calendar year;
each university and institution of higher education commemorating through themed
speeches, organized volunteering, and campus-wide activities that connect the Founding to
Utah's heritage and history;
all citizens engaging with and studying the history of the Founding through local and state
historical exhibits and resources, national programs and competitions, local library books and
programming for youth and adults, and educational speaker events and panel discussions; and
members of the Legislature working with teachers in local schools;
WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision for local communities to engage Utahns of all ages
and backgrounds includes:
every county and as many cities as possible becoming Utah250 Communities and
partnering with the Commission;
individuals and communities finding ways to share stories of hard work, doing their part,
innovation, and entrepreneurship;
all Utahns taking steps to improve their communities, state, and nation through
volunteerism and service;
local celebrations honoring the United States armed forces and veterans; and
celebrating Utah's physical landscape by walking, hiking, or otherwise engaging in the
natural environment of Utah; and
WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision to unite and create connection includes all Utahns
participating in America's Potluck, a neighbor-led celebration on Sunday, July 5, 2026, for a
shared meal and connection:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
Governor concurring therein, declares the first week of July 2026 as Independence Week,
marking the culmination of the America250 Utah celebration season.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor emphasize the
importance of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
Independence.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor express their support
for the programs and events overseen by the Commission and the Department of Cultural and
Community Engagement, including:
civics education and resources for teachers;
The Pen is Mightier: Writing a Revolution, an exhibit at the Utah State Capitol in 2026 and
a traveling display visiting all 29 counties;
Walk250 Utah, an initiative challenging all Utahns to walk or roll 250 miles;
Serving A Common Cause, a campaign to honor our founding values together in acts of
service and civic engagement; and
the Exploring the Declaration of Independence at 250 speaker series.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage counties
and cities to engage with the state's initiative as Utah250 Communities and to organize their
own celebrations and programs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor direct Utah's higher
education institutions to incorporate the anniversary year into curriculum and events during the
2026 calendar year, including instruction, programming, or scholarly engagement related to
the founding principles of the nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor direct local school
districts and charter schools, at the commencement of the 2026 - 2027 school year, and in
conjunction with Constitution Week in September 2026, to instruct and engage students in the
study of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the historical
significance and lives of the signers of each.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage members
of the Legislature to directly participate in the schools and communities within their legislative
districts throughout the 2026 calendar year to commemorate the anniversary year.
2-6-26 9:50 AM