WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence;WHEREAS, in 2023, Governor Cox and the Legislature created Utah's America250 Commission (Commission) with the charge to create opportunities for Utahns to celebrate during the years leading up to and including the anniversary year;WHEREAS, the Commission is committed to honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence as a pivotal moment in American history through the unique and rich lens of Utah's heritage;WHEREAS, the Commission endeavors to spark education, engagement, and unity across Utah, bringing together individuals from all walks of life in a shared journey of historical discovery and reflection;WHEREAS, the statewide kick-off for America250 Utah began on July 1, 2025, and will culminate in July 2026;WHEREAS, America250 Utah's programming addresses education, engagement, and unity;WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision to increase civics education among all Utahns includes: every school and each classroom finding ways to commemorate the anniversary during the 2026 calendar year; each university and institution of higher education commemorating through themed speeches, organized volunteering, and campus-wide activities that connect the Founding to Utah's heritage and history; all citizens engaging with and studying the history of the Founding through local and state historical exhibits and resources, national programs and competitions, local library books and programming for youth and adults, and educational speaker events and panel discussions; and members of the Legislature working with teachers in local schools;WHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision for local communities to engage Utahns of all ages and backgrounds includes: every county and as many cities as possible becoming Utah250 Communities and partnering with the Commission; individuals and communities finding ways to share stories of hard work, doing their part, innovation, and entrepreneurship; all Utahns taking steps to improve their communities, state, and nation through volunteerism and service; local celebrations honoring the United States armed forces and veterans; and celebrating Utah's physical landscape by walking, hiking, or otherwise engaging in the natural environment of Utah; andWHEREAS, America250 Utah's vision to unite and create connection includes all Utahns participating in America's Potluck, a neighbor-led celebration on Sunday, July 5, 2026, for a shared meal and connection:NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein, declares the first week of July 2026 as Independence Week, marking the culmination of the America250 Utah celebration season.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor emphasize the importance of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor express their support for the programs and events overseen by the Commission and the Department of Cultural and Community Engagement, including: civics education and resources for teachers; The Pen is Mightier: Writing a Revolution, an exhibit at the Utah State Capitol in 2026 and a traveling display visiting all 29 counties; Walk250 Utah, an initiative challenging all Utahns to walk or roll 250 miles; Serving A Common Cause, a campaign to honor our founding values together in acts of service and civic engagement; and the Exploring the Declaration of Independence at 250 speaker series.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage counties and cities to engage with the state's initiative as Utah250 Communities and to organize their own celebrations and programs.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor direct Utah's higher education institutions to incorporate the anniversary year into curriculum and events during the 2026 calendar year, including instruction, programming, or scholarly engagement related to the founding principles of the nation.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor direct local school districts and charter schools, at the commencement of the 2026 - 2027 school year, and in conjunction with Constitution Week in September 2026, to instruct and engage students in the study of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the historical significance and lives of the signers of each.BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature and the Governor encourage members of the Legislature to directly participate in the schools and communities within their legislative districts throughout the 2026 calendar year to commemorate the anniversary year.