S.J.R. 8 Enrolled

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING LIBERTY DAY
2003 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Ed P. Mayne
This joint resolution of the Legislature designates March 16, 2003 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 inalienable rights and
liberties of this nation:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
designate March 16, 2003 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 set forth 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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