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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
COMMEMORATING THE 250th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
WHEREAS, 7/4/2026, 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, state and local governments, fostering liberty, accountability and responsiveness to communities; and
WHEREAS, this decentralized governance model has allowed for innovation, diverse policy approaches and stronger accountability to citizens, ensuring that government remains close to and reflective of the people it serves; 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, throughout the history of the United States, members of the Armed Forces have defended the freedoms and democratic principles established by the Nation's founders, and the sacrifices of servicemembers, veterans and military families have preserved the liberties celebrated on Independence Day; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has played a significant role in the history of the United States as the Land of Lincoln, contributing to the Nation's development through leadership, industry, agriculture, transportation, military servic...
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