Bill Text: DE SCR250 | 2025-2026 | 153rd General Assembly | Draft
Bill Title: Celebrating The Spirit Of America 250.
Sponsorship: Broadly Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Engrossed) 2026-06-17 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES [SCR250 Detail]
Download: Delaware-2025-SCR250-Draft.html
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SPONSOR: |
Sen. Pettyjohn & Rep. Hilovsky & Rep. Lambert |
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Sens. Buckson, Hocker, Hoffner, Richardson, Wilson; Reps. Bolden, Bush, Carson, Collins, Dukes, Gray, Ross Levin, D. Short, Michael Smith, Yearick |
DELAWARE STATE SENATE
153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 250
CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA 250.
WHEREAS, as we celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, it is a time to reflect on the awesome journey our nation and its people have traveled to create the greatest nation in history; and
WHEREAS, in the early 1600s, brave souls fled religious persecution in Europe, embarking on treacherous voyages across the Atlantic, driven by an unyielding desire to practice their faith in freedom from persecution, and gave rise to the birth of a nation where diverse beliefs could flourish, setting the foundation for America's enduring commitment to spiritual freedom; and
WHEREAS, the new colonists faced uncertain survival, endured brutal winters with scarce resources, and dared to succeed by what defines America: hard work and perseverance through adversity to accomplish goals; and
WHEREAS, the original inhabitants of our great land, including the Lenape and Nanticoke Tribes, shared their bounty and knowledge to help implement farming practices, hunting skills, and respect for the land and the abundance found in their new land; and
WHEREAS, under increasingly restrictive British governance, visionaries like Samuel Adams, Thomas Paine, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe, John Hancock, and Alexander Hamilton, as well as Delawareans Caesar Rodney and John Dickinson, helped inspire independence through stirring debates, courageous writings, and acts of rebellion; and
WHEREAS, their efforts ultimately led to the creation of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, transforming thirteen colonies into a united republic grounded in democracy, freedom, liberty, and self-governance; and
WHEREAS, the young nation faced significant economic challenges in its earliest years and adopted policies designed to strengthen domestic industry, generate revenue, and promote self-reliance, laying the foundation for America's growth and emergence as a leading economic power; and
WHEREAS, most manufacturing was concentrated in the northern colonies, the agrarian South's reliance on cotton and tobacco clashed with the industrial North's factories and innovation, exacerbating the moral and economic divide deepened by slavery; and
WHEREAS, these tensions ultimately led to the Civil War, testing the nation's commitment to unity and freedom, and President Abraham Lincoln's leadership helped guide the nation through its greatest internal crisis while preserving the Union and advancing the cause of freedom; and
WHEREAS, visionaries like Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, Elijah McCoy, Granville Woods, George Westinghouse, Nikola Tesla, and Thomas Edison revolutionized steel, finance, communications, oil, electricity, and invention in this country as their breakthroughs accelerated economic expansion, created jobs, and improved lives, but also led to essential labor reforms like child labor laws and other protections; and
WHEREAS, courageous women like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, and Alice Paul marched, protested, and some endured imprisonment and scorn in the suffragette movement culminating in affirming that America's promise of equality extends to all, regardless of gender, by securing in 1920 the 19th Amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing a woman's right to vote; and
WHEREAS, American toil and treasure were offered to the world to undermine tyranny and despotism with 116,000 U.S. doughboys giving their lives to secure the lives and freedom of others in World War I; and
WHEREAS, the Greatest Generation parachuted behind enemy lines, stormed beaches, sailed the perilous seas, and bravely piloted planes into flak-filled skies to support the ground war, knowing their chances of survival were small; and
WHEREAS, our fighting soldiers liberated towns and nations while at home the personal sacrifices and actions of countless “Rosie the Riveters” provided the machinery and supplies of war to defeat fascism and free Europe from totalitarianism at the cost of over 400,000 American lives, reminding us of our nation’s contribution to the good of the world and selfless valor at home and abroad; and
WHEREAS, in Korea we fought to stop communist aggression; and
WHEREAS, in Vietnam, more than 58,000 Americans gave their lives in service to their country, and the sacrifices of those who served remind us of the tremendous costs of war and our enduring obligation to honor and support veterans; and
WHEREAS, the 1950s and 1960s often exhibited the bitter and unfair practices of racism and began to change, as courageous leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Thurgood Marshall peacefully demonstrated to the nation that civil disobedience and continued advocacy for justice and equality strengthen our nation and help advance the promise of liberty for all; and
WHEREAS, the visionary leadership of President John F. Kennedy, who declared in 1962 "We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard,” propelled pioneer astronaut heroes like John Glenn, Alan Shepard, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins and others to the eventual lunar landing and safe return: a testament to American grit and determination and leadership in math and science, inspiring humanity's boundless reach and our space program today; and
WHEREAS, the Watergate scandal exposed government corruption, leading to President Richard Nixon's resignation and reinforcing accountability; and
WHEREAS, the 2008-2009 Great Recession tested economic fortitude, spurring financial reforms for stability; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic tested our nation through tremendous loss and hardship while also inspiring innovation, medical advancement, collaboration, community resilience, and new ways of working that demonstrated America's ability to adapt and overcome challenges during times of crisis; and
WHEREAS, as we enter the age of AI, quantum computing, and robotic-led manufacturing, we will lead and harness these changes for the good of humanity.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the House and Senate jointly celebrate America’s greatness and the unbreakable resilience that has triumphed over trouble, forging a stronger determination to lead through courage, ingenuity, action, and achievement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as the United States approaches its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, all citizens are encouraged to reflect upon the promise of the American Dream and the enduring principles of freedom, liberty, and self-governance that define our nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the General Assembly recognize that individual freedom and liberty are not merely ideals, but fundamental rights that must be protected and preserved for future generations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly acknowledges President Ronald Reagan’s reminder that freedom must be fought for, protected, and handed down to future generations so they may continue to preserve the blessings of liberty.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that America 250 serves as an opportunity to promote patriotism, volunteerism, charity, compassion, and service to others throughout our communities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all Delawareans are encouraged to honor the sacrifices and achievements of prior generations by teaching future generations the values of freedom, responsibility, perseverance, and civic engagement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly encourages all citizens to celebrate the spirit of America 250 and recommit themselves to strengthening their communities, preserving liberty, and building a brighter future for generations to come.
SYNOPSIS
This Senate Concurrent resolution celebrates the Spirit of America 250.
Author: Senator Pettyjohn
