WHEREAS, the United States of America was born on the principles that all people have natural rights – freedom from tyranny, a life of equal opportunity, and personal happiness; and
WHEREAS, Alaska and her people embody the spirit of the American Dream through their resilience, tolerance, exploration of opportunities, and strong connection to their heritage, families, communities, and land; and
WHEREAS, these ideals were rooted in the Declaration of Independence – signed on July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress, calling for the formation of a new sovereign nation – the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, in authoring and signing this Declaration, our Founding Fathers recognized mankind’s inalienable rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;” and
WHEREAS, as one of the Founding Fathers, John Adams famously stated, “Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood;” and
WHEREAS, our nation’s freedoms have been, and continue to be, defended by the dedicated men and women of the United States Armed Forces. We pay tribute to the heroes who have given their lives for our country, and recognize the reservists, active duty service-members, guard members, and veterans for their service; and
WHEREAS, this Fourth of July, as we commemorate the signing of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, let us also take time to reflect on the meaning and true cost of liberty.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim July 4, 2020 as:
Independence Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to celebrate the birth of our great nation, and to honor those who have defended, and continue to defend, Alaska and the United States of America.
