S.J.R. 6 Enrolled

JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING LIBERTY DAY
2001 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Ed P. Mayne
Ron Allen
D. Edgar Allen
Leonard M. Blackham
Curtis S. Bramble
D. Chris Buttars
Gene Davis
Mike Dmitrich
Dan R. Eastman
Beverly Ann Evans
David L. Gladwell
Karen Hale
Parley Hellewell
John W. Hickman
Lyle W. Hillyard
Scott K. Jenkins
Paula F. Julander
Peter C. Knudson
Al Mansell
Millie M. Peterson
L. Steven Poulton
Terry R. Spencer
David H. Steele
Howard A. Stephenson
Pete Suazo
John L. Valentine
Michael G. Waddoups
Carlene M. Walker
Bill Wright

This joint resolution of the Legislature designates March 16, 2001 as Liberty Day in the state
of Utah. The resolution urges the citizens of Utah to reflect on the freedoms granted to them
in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
WHEREAS, the citizens of the United States of America enjoy liberties through the
passage of documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution
with its Bill of Rights;
WHEREAS, the rights and liberties enjoyed by the nation's citizens today are rooted in
these cherished documents that gave birth to this nation;
WHEREAS, the patriot James Madison, fourth President of the United States, was the
major author of the Virginia Plan, the model and the basis for the United States Constitution that
emerged from the Constitutional Convention of 1787;
WHEREAS, James Madison kept detailed written records of the debates and compromises
that were an integral part of the Constitutional Convention of 1787;
WHEREAS, James Madison wrote many of the newspaper articles now known as the
Federalist Papers, outlining why states should endorse the new Constitution;
WHEREAS, these writings have endured as some of the best arguments for the form of
government established by the Constitution;

WHEREAS, James Madison introduced the Bill of Rights into the 1st Congress of the United
States, which were adopted as the first ten amendments to the Constitution;
WHEREAS, since many Americans are not familiar with the contents of the Declaration of
Independence and the Constitution, an important effort should be made to promote and nurture a
familiarity and understanding of these founding documents; and
WHEREAS, the 16th day of March, the birthday of the distinguished Founding Father James
Madison, is a fitting day to designate as Liberty Day, a celebration of the Declaration of
Independence and the United States Constitution, which establish the unalienable rights and liberties
of this nation:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah designate
March 16, 2001 as Liberty Day in the state of Utah.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges that Liberty Day be celebrated as
a remembrance of the freedom that Americans were given in the Declaration of Independence and
the extraordinary rights and liberties protected in the Constitution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that gratitude and thanks be given to Lions Clubs throughout
Utah and the nation for initiating and carrying Liberty Day to the students of the state and nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that gratitude and thanks be expressed to all representatives
of the people who have voluntarily given their time to serve and to speak to Americans about the
founding documents.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Lions Club
International and the secretary of the Utah Lions Clubs.

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