HR1969: HR1969 America 250 Day at the state capitol; April 1, 2026; recognize

26 LC 112 4048 House Resolution 1969 By: Representatives Gambill of the 15th, Seabaugh of the 34th, Wade of the 9th, Smith of the 138th, Momtahan of the 17th, and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing April 1, 2026, as America 250 Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of the adopt ion of the Declaration2 of Independence, a historic moment that established the United States of America as a nation3 founded on the principles of freedom, liberty, and justice for all; and4 WHEREAS, in its 250 years of growth and development, the United States has charted a5 unique path in the history of civilization, remaining committed to the rights of the individual6 and a representative system of government built on checks and balances that has weathered7 and celebrated two and a half centuries of human struggle, challenge, cultural evolution, and8 new births of freedom; and9 WHEREAS, in that rich and storied history, the State of Georgia has played a key role in the10 growth of the United States, from a loose collection of colonie s to the greatest nation on11 earth; and12 WHEREAS, under the leadership of James Oglethorpe, Georgia became the 13th and final13 colony established by the British Empire in 1732; and14 H. R. 1969 - 1 - 26 LC 112 4048 WHEREAS, the City of Savannah was established in 1733 as the fi rst settlement of the15 Georgia colony and remains one of the most historically signifi cant cities in the United16 States, including serving as the state's first capital; and17 WHEREAS, Georgia contributed three signatories to the Declarati on of Independence,18 including Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton; and19 WHEREAS, Georgia became the fourth state admitted to the Union upon its unanimous20 ratification of the Constitution during a special legislative session in 1788, held in Augusta,21 the state's second capital; and22 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia has produced countless historical and culturally significant23 figures who have not only shaped the South and the United State s but also influenced the24 entire world—from legendary civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. to25 world-renowned entertainers like Otis Redding and many others who have contributed to the26 state's rich cultural heritage; and27 WHEREAS, Georgia has thus far produced one President of the United States, Jimmy Carter,28 who was elected the 39th President and continued his humanitarian efforts following his time29 in office; and30 WHEREAS, Georgia has established itself as a cultural and athle tic beacon for the whole31 world, hosting the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, which will soon become only32 one of two American cities to host both the Olympics and the FI FA World Cup with the33 arrival of the FIFA World Cup 2026 this summer, while also host ing the annual Masters34 Tournament in Augusta and setting itself apart as the capital of college football; and35 H. R. 1969 - 2 - 26 LC 112 4048 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is a thriving business and economic hub, serving as the No.36 1 state for business and the proud home of both internationally recognized brands and37 thousands of small businesses that are critical to communities and our state, as well as assets38 such as the world's most utilized airport; and39 WHEREAS, Georgia's No. 1 industry has always been and remains agriculture, with many40 crops now synonymous with the state, including peaches, peanuts , Vidalia onions,41 blueberries, cotton, and more, as well as industries such as forestry and poultry.42 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that43 the members of this body recognize April 1, 2026, as America 250 Day at the state capitol44 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized46 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the47 public and the press.48 H. R. 1969 - 3 -