Introduced Version
HOUSE
RESOLUTION No. ___
Introduced by: O'Brien, Heaton, Lehman, Aylesworth, Baird,
Bartels, Bascom, Clere, Commons, Criswell, Culp, Gore, Goss-
Reaves, Haggard, Hall, Hamiltion, Heine, Isa, Judy,
Karickhoff, Lauer, Ledbetter, Lindauer, Lucas, Manning, May,
Mayfield, McNamara, Miller D, Miller K, Morris, Novak,
Olthoff, Pfaff, Pressel, Pryor, Rowray, Shonkwiler, Smaltz,
Teshka, Thompson, VanNatter, Wesco, Yocum, Zimmerman
____________________________________
1 A HOUSE RESOLUTION to commemorate the 250th
2 Anniversary, or semiquincentennial, of the founding of the
3 United States of America.
4 Whereas, July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary, or
5 semiquincentennial, of the adoption of the Declaration of
6 Independence by the Second Continental Congress in
7 Philadelphia in 1776, signifying the founding of the United
8 States of America;
9 Whereas, The Declaration of Independence proclaimed
10 timeless principles of profound significance to the national
11 heritage of the United States, including that all are created
12 equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights, including
13 life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments
14 derive their just powers from the consent of the governed;
RR 4505/DI hf 2026
 2
1 Whereas, The founding of the United States established the
2 principle of federalism, emphasizing a decentralized system of
3 government wherein powers are divided between national and
4 state governments, fostering liberty, accountability, and
5 responsiveness to local communities;
6 Whereas, This decentralized governance model has allowed
7 for innovation, diverse policy approaches, and stronger
8 accountability to the citizens of each state, ensuring that
9 government remains close to and reflective of the people's will;
10 Whereas, The founding of the United States initiated a
11 journey toward forming a "more perfect Union", marked by
12 historic achievements, struggles, and progress in realizing the
13 nation’s founding ideals for all its citizens;
14 Whereas, Indiana has played a significant role throughout
15 the history of the United States, contributing to the nation’s
16 development, culture, economy, and defense through the efforts
17 and sacrifices of its citizens;
18 Whereas, The semiquincentennial offers a unique
19 opportunity for the people of Indiana to reflect on our shared
20 history, honor the diverse contributions of all Americans,
21 celebrate our heritage of liberty, and look forward to the future
22 we strive to create for subsequent generations; and
23 Whereas, Commemorative activities across Indiana will
24 provide educational opportunities, foster civic engagement,
25 encourage community participation, and strengthen
26 appreciation for the history, federalist principles, and
27 foundational ideals upon which both the nation and our state
28 were built: Therefore,
29 Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the
30 General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
31 SECTION 1. That the Indiana House of Representatives
32 recognizes and commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary
33 of the founding of the United States of America on July 4,
34 2026.
RR 4505/DI hf 2026
 1 SECTION 2. That the Indiana House of Representatives
2 encourages all citizens, communities, educational institutions,
3 civic organizations, and businesses within the State of Indiana
4 to participate in commemorative events and activities that
5 reflect on our history, celebrate our achievements, and reaffirm
6 our commitment to the ideals of liberty, equality,
7 self-government, and federalism.
8 SECTION 3. That Indiana House of Representatives
9 strongly encourages educational institutions across Indiana to
10 enhance civics education, ensuring that future generations
11 understand the critical importance of active civic participation,
12 the principles of federalism, and the decentralized governance
13 that protects liberty and promotes responsive government.
14 SECTION 4. That the Principal Clerk of the House of
15 Representatives shall transmit copies of this resolution to State
16 Representative Timothy O'Brien for distribution.
RR 4505/DI hf 2026