SCR 21

                 SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR
     SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 21
    Whereas, to secure the blessings of liberty for
themselves and future generations, the founding fathers of
the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of
Independence on July 4, 1776, proclaiming the thirteen
American colonies were free and independent from the king of
England’s rule; and
    Whereas, to commemorate this joyous event, the America
250 Missouri Commission, and its forty-nine counterparts
from other states, will join to celebrate the two hundred
fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States of
America on July 4, 2026, with patriotic celebrations in
cities and small towns across the beautiful Show-Me State
and around the country; and
    Whereas, comprised of a group from the private and
public sectors, trade associations, fraternal organizations,
and veterans agencies, the America 250 Missouri Commission
has planned, promoted, and implemented a plethora of public
celebrations to educate, engage, and celebrate this
monumental milestone; and
    Whereas, throughout 2026, the twenty-fourth state to
enter the Union, in tandem with the America 250 Missouri
Commission, will host statewide events, community projects,
educational initiatives, and patriotic traditions to mark
the United States of America Semiquincentennial; and
    Whereas, formed as a democratic republic with three co-
equal branches of government and a Constitution that limits
government and protects the individual rights of We the
People, the unique American experiment has been steered by a
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diverse population of descendants from every continent who
were drawn to the promise of freedom and justice for all; and
      Whereas, the price of freedom has been afforded by the
sacrifices and selfless service of countless brave military
men and women, who battled and perished in domestic
conflicts and foreign wars with their unwavering belief in
the American way of life and will to uphold her creed of
equality; and
      Whereas, the United States’ primordial topography,
complete with majestic mountain ranges, fertile plains,
rolling hills, sprawling forests, and abundant lakes and
rivers, has been home to generations of patriotic citizens
who have made their livelihoods from the land and hope to
preserve its natural beauty for future Americans to enjoy;
and
      Whereas, for two hundred fifty years, iconic American
symbols, poetry, and songs about independence have united
and instilled an unmatched sense of pride in all who live
between her shores; and
      Whereas, centuries of struggles and triumphs have
inspired artists to create world-renowned musical genres,
distinctive paintings and architecture, and expressive
literature and fine arts, which orchestrate the notes and
melodies of the United States’ diversity, history, and
untold stories; and
      Whereas, the ideals and collective culture of the
United States of America will continue to inspire and lead
the free world as the nation works toward a more perfect
union in the future:
      Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, that the members of the
Missouri Senate of the One Hundred Third General Assembly,
Second Regular Session, the House of Representatives
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concurring therein, hereby encourage all Missouri citizens
to engage in appropriate patriotic programs and events in
observance of Show-Me America 250 on July 4, 2026, and
throughout the year; and
    Be It Further Resolved that the Secretary of the
Missouri Senate and the Chief Clerk of the Missouri House of
Representatives be instructed to prepare properly inscribed
copies of this resolution for presentation.
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