HCR 12

 Enrolled Copy  H.C.R. 12
1Concurrent 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
2
3  LONG TITLE
4  General Description:
5This concurrent resolution celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the
6  Declaration of Independence.
7  Highlighted Provisions:
8This resolution:
9▸ celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on
10  July 4, 2026;
11▸ declares the first week of July 2026 as Independence Week;
12▸ recognizes the work of Utah's America250 Commission (Commission);
13▸ supports the Commission's vision to educate, engage, and unite Utahns through programs
14  and events that celebrate and honor the anniversary;
15▸ encourages local participation in programs and events overseen by the Commission, the
16  Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, and local Utah250 Communities;
17  and
18▸ directs local school districts, charter schools, and institutions of higher education to
19  instruct and engage students through educational programming recognizing the
20  anniversary year.
21  Money Appropriated in this Bill:
22None
23  Other Special Clauses:
24None
25
26  Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
 H.C.R. 12  Enrolled Copy
27WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
28   Independence;
29WHEREAS, in 2023, Governor Cox and the Legislature created Utah's America250
30   Commission (Commission) with the charge to create opportunities for Utahns to celebrate
31   during the years leading up to and including the anniversary year;
32WHEREAS, the Commission is committed to honor the signing of the Declaration of
33   Independence as a pivotal moment in American history through the unique and rich lens of
34   Utah's heritage;
35WHEREAS, the Commission endeavors to spark education, engagement, and unity across
36   Utah, bringing together individuals from all walks of life in a shared journey of historical
37   discovery and reflection;
38WHEREAS, the statewide kick-off for America250 Utah began on July 1, 2025, and will
39   culminate in July 2026;
40WHEREAS, America250 Utah's programming addresses education, engagement, and unity;
41WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision to increase civics education among all Utahns
42   includes:
43• every school and each classroom finding ways to commemorate the anniversary during the
44   2026 calendar year;
45• each university and institution of higher education commemorating through themed
46   speeches, organized volunteering, and campus-wide activities that connect the Founding to
47   Utah's heritage and history;
48• all citizens engaging with and studying the history of the Founding through local and state
49   historical exhibits and resources, national programs and competitions, local library books and
50   programming for youth and adults, and educational speaker events and panel discussions; and
51• members of the Legislature working with teachers in local schools;
52WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision for local communities to engage Utahns of all ages
53   and backgrounds includes:
54• every county and as many cities as possible becoming Utah250 Communities and
55   partnering with the Commission;
56• individuals and communities finding ways to share stories of hard work, doing their part,
57   innovation, and entrepreneurship;
58• all Utahns taking steps to improve their communities, state, and nation through
59   volunteerism and service;
60• local celebrations honoring the United States armed forces and veterans; and
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61      • celebrating Utah's physical landscape by walking, hiking, or otherwise engaging in the
62  natural environment of Utah; and
63      WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision to unite and create connection includes all Utahns
64  participating in America's Potluck, a neighbor-led celebration on Sunday, July 5, 2026, for a
65  shared meal and connection:
66      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
67  Governor concurring therein, declares the first week of July 2026 as Independence Week,
68  marking the culmination of the America250 Utah celebration season.
69      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor emphasize the
70  importance of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of
71  Independence.
72      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor express their support
73  for the programs and events overseen by the Commission and the Department of Cultural and
74  Community Engagement, including:
75      • civics education and resources for teachers;
76      • The Pen is Mightier: Writing a Revolution, an exhibit at the Utah State Capitol in 2026 and
77  a traveling display visiting all 29 counties;
78      • Walk250 Utah, an initiative challenging all Utahns to walk or roll 250 miles;
79      • Serving A Common Cause, a campaign to honor our founding values together in acts of
80  service and civic engagement; and
81      • the Exploring the Declaration of Independence at 250 speaker series.
82      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage counties
83  and cities to engage with the state's initiative as Utah250 Communities and to organize their
84  own celebrations and programs.
85      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor direct Utah's higher
86  education institutions to incorporate the anniversary year into curriculum and events during the
87  2026 calendar year, including instruction, programming, or scholarly engagement related to
88  the founding principles of the nation.
89      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor direct local school
90  districts and charter schools, at the commencement of the 2026 - 2027 school year, and in
91  conjunction with Constitution Week in September 2026, to instruct and engage students in the
92  study of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the historical
93  significance and lives of the signers of each.
94      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage members
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95   of the Legislature to directly participate in the schools and communities within their legislative
96   districts throughout the 2026 calendar year to commemorate the anniversary year.
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