WHEREAS, over 200 years ago, a group of visionaries, our founding fathers, set out to establish a new and independent nation, one like no other, based on the philosophies of a representative democracy – affirming and safeguarding each citizen’s right to pursue their own destiny and happiness; and
WHEREAS, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress secured and permanently cemented these principles by the founding of the United States of America and provided a framework for a balanced and accountable government and society that prioritized the freedom and wellbeing of the citizenry not only from outside forces, but also from their own governing bodies; and
WHEREAS, our nation’s founders demonstrated their love for liberty, and they proved their devotion by risking everything, being willing to lay down their lives for the freedoms underscored in the Declaration of Independence and the safeguards that would be detailed in the Constitution. Throughout our history, Americans have been steadfast in their efforts to build and preserve a country of liberty, peace, and opportunity for all; and
WHEREAS, our people and our freedom have been, and continue to be, defended daily by the selfless and dedicated men and women of the United States Armed Forces. We will always owe a debt of honor and gratitude to the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for each one of us, and we recognize the service of all our veterans, active duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and their families. Our military members’ bravery and sacrifice serves to carry forward the principles established by our founding fathers, and afford us continued freedom and peace; and
WHEREAS, this Fourth of July, as we commemorate the signing of our nation’s Declaration of Independence and celebrate our exceptional liberties, let us take time to reflect on the significance and true cost of our freedoms.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim July 4, 2021 as:
Independence Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to acknowledge and celebrate the birth of our great nation and to honor those who have defended, and continue to defend, our state and country.
