00                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 4                                                                        
01 Recognizing and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United                                       
02 States of America; encouraging participation in commemorative events; and                                               
03 encouraging educational institutions to enhance civics education.                                                       
04 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE:                                                                                           
05       WHEREAS July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial, of the                                
06 adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress in                                       
07 Philadelphia in 1776, signifying the founding of the United States of America; and                                      
08       WHEREAS the Declaration of Independence proclaimed timeless principles of                                       
09 profound significance to the national heritage of the United States, including that all people                          
10 are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the                         
11 pursuit of happiness, and that a government derives its just powers from the consent of the                             
12 governed; and                                                                                                           
13 WHEREAS the founding of the United States established the principle of federalism,                                    
14 emphasizing a decentralized system of government in which powers are divided between                                    
15 national and state governments, fostering liberty, accountability, and responsiveness to local                          
01 communities; and                                                                                                        
02       WHEREAS the decentralized governance model has allowed for innovation, diverse                                  
03 policy approaches, and stronger accountability to the citizens of each state, ensuring that                             
04 government remains close to and reflective of the people's will; and                                                    
05       WHEREAS the founding of the United States initiated a journey toward forming "a                                 
06 more perfect Union," marked by historic achievements, struggles, and progress in realizing                              
07 the nation's founding ideals for all its citizens; and                                                                  
08       WHEREAS the State of Alaska has played a significant role in the history of the                                 
09 United States, contributing to the nation's development, culture, economy, and defense                                  
10 through the efforts and sacrifices of its citizens; and                                                                 
11 WHEREAS the semiquincentennial offers a unique opportunity for the people of the                                      
12 state to reflect on a shared history, honor the diverse contributions of all Americans, celebrate                       
13 a heritage of liberty, and look forward to the future citizens strive to create for the next                            
14 generations; and                                                                                                        
15 WHEREAS commemorative activities across the state will provide educational                                            
16 opportunities, foster civic engagement, encourage community participation, and strengthen                               
17 appreciation for the history, federalist principles, and foundational ideals on which both the                          
18 nation and this state were built;                                                                                       
19 BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate recognizes and commemorates the upcoming                                               
20 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, of the founding of the United States of America; and be it                           
21 FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate encourages all citizens, communities,                                                
22 educational institutions, civic organizations, and businesses in the state to participate in                            
23 commemorative events and activities that involve reflecting on the nation's history,                                    
24 celebrating its achievements, and reaffirming a commitment to the ideals of liberty, equality,                          
25 self-government, and federalism; and be it                                                                              
26 FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate strongly encourages educational institutions                                         
27 across the state to enhance civics education, ensuring that future generations understand the                           
28 critical importance of active civic participation, the principles of federalism, and the                                
29 decentralized governance that protects liberty and promotes responsive government.