WHEREAS, some 247 years ago, a group of visionaries – our founding fathers – set out to establish a new and independent nation, unlike any other, based on the philosophies of a representative democracy to affirm and safeguard each citizen’s personal right to pursue their own destiny and purpose; and
WHEREAS, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress secured and permanently enshrined the principles 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 proved their devotion when they risked their lives to secure the freedoms underscored in the Declaration of Independence and the safeguards that would be detailed in the Constitution, and throughout our history, Americans have remained unwavering in their efforts to build and preserve a country of liberty and justice for all; and
WHEREAS, the bravery and sacrifice of United States Armed Forces service members has carried forward the principles established by our founding fathers and has afforded us continued freedom and peace, and we recognize the service of all our veterans, active duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, and their families; 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 reflect on the significance and true cost of peace as we honor and thank the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim July 4, 2023 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.
Dated: July 4, 2023
