Title
Resolution supporting the Illinois America 250 Commemoration.
Staff Summary
• On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence.
• The United States of America will commemorate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s history.
• The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, known as the America250 Commission (america250.org) was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, aiming to engage all Americans in commemorating this historic event through educational initiatives.
• The Illinois America250 Commission (ilamerica250.org) was established to develop, encourage and execute an inclusive commemoration and observance of the founding of the United States of America, and Illinois’ imperative role in the nation’s history.
• Lake County is in support of the Illinois America250 Commission and efforts to help ensure a meaningful and educational commemoration for all residents and future generations.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the United States of America will commemorate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s history; and
WHEREAS, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, asserting the American colonies’ freedom from British rule and laying the foundation for the principles of democracy and self-governance; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, known as the America250 Commission (america250.org) was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, aiming to engage all Americans in commemorating this historic event through educational initiatives; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois America250 Commission (ilamerica250.org) was established to develop, encourage and execute an inclusive commemoration and observance of the founding of the United States of America, and Illinois’ imperative role in the nation’s history; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois America250 Commission encourages communities, libraries, schools, local governments, historical societies, cultural institutions and individuals of all ages to develop inclusive commemorations that reflect on Illinois’ role in the nation’s history and development; and
WHEREAS, recognizing and supporting the Illinois America250 Commission will help ensure a meaningful and educational commemoration for all residents and future generations; and
WHEREAS, the commemoration provides an opportunity to reflect on the state’s and the county’s historical significance, honor the achievements of its people and inspire civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, Lake County hereby formally supports the Illinois America250 Commission and its mission to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, that Lake County expresses its support for the Illinois America250 Commission, and encourages all Lake County communities to organize and participate in local events leading up to and culminating on July 4, 2026, to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on January 13, 2026.