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WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary, the 1
Semiquincentennial, of the adoption of the Declaration of 2
Independence by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 3
1776, signifying the founding of the United States of America; and4
WHEREAS, The Declaration of Independence proclaimed timeless 5
principles of profound significance to the national heritage of the 6
United States, including that all are created equal and endowed with 7
certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit 8
of happiness, and that governments derive their just powers from the 9
consent of the governed; and 10
WHEREAS, The founding of the United States established the 11
principle of federalism, emphasizing a decentralized system of 12
government wherein powers are divided between national and state 13
governments, fostering liberty, accountability, and responsiveness to 14
local communities; and 15
WHEREAS, This decentralized governance model has allowed for 16
innovation, diverse policy approaches, and stronger accountability to 17
the citizens of each state, ensuring that government remains close to 18
and reflective of the people's will; and 19
WHEREAS, The founding of the United States initiated a journey 20
toward forming a "more perfect Union," marked by historic 21
achievements, struggles, and progress in realizing the nation's 22
founding ideals for all its citizens; and 23
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4702 , by Representatives Eslick, Barkis, Abell,
Mendoza, Schmidt, Dent, Ley, Abbarno, Griffey, Dufault, Walsh, Burnett, Marshall,
Keaton, Stuebe, Steele, Bergquist, Parshley, Zahn, Stearns, Taylor, Barnard, Hall,
Dye, Penner, Thai, Connors, Engell, Callan, Bronoske, Leavitt, Ybarra, Pollet, and
Corry
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WHEREAS, The state of Washington has played a significant role 1
throughout the history of the United States, contributing to the 2
nation's development, culture, economy, and defense through the 3
efforts and sacrifices of its citizens; and 4
WHEREAS, The Semiquincentennial offers a unique opportunity for 5
the people of Washington to reflect on our shared history, honor the 6
diverse contributions of all Americans, celebrate our heritage of 7
liberty, and look forward to the future we strive to create for 8
subsequent generations; and 9
WHEREAS, Commemorative activities across Washington State will 10
provide educational opportunities, foster civic engagement, encourage 11
community participation, and strengthen appreciation for the history, 12
federalist principles, and foundational ideals upon which both the 13
nation and our state were built; 14
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives 15
hereby recognize and commemorate the upcoming 250th Anniversary of 16
the founding of the United States of America on July 4, 2026; and17
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we encourage all citizens, 18
communities, educational institutions, civic organizations, and 19
businesses within Washington State to participate in commemorative 20
events and activities that reflect on our history, celebrate our 21
achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of liberty, 22
equality, self-government, and federalism. 23
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