A HOUSE RESOLUTION observing the two hundred thirty‑fifth anniversary of the halifax resolves.
Whereas, on April 4, 1776, North Carolina's Fourth Provincial Congress reconvened in Halifax, North Carolina, and soon after appointed a committee to consider additional actions to defend the colony against King George III and the British Parliament; and
Whereas, the committee included Cornelius Harnett, Allen Jones, Thomas Burke, and Abner Nash; and
Whereas, on April 12, 1776, the committee submitted a resolution to the Provincial Congress for consideration; and
Whereas, the resolution, which became known as the "Halifax Resolves," directed North Carolina's delegates to the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from Britain, to join the other colonies in declaring independence, and to reserve the right for North Carolina to create a constitution; and
Whereas, the 83 delegates present unanimously adopted the Halifax Resolves; and
Whereas, North Carolina was the first colony to officially encourage independence from Britain, which was soon followed by other colonies adopting similar resolutions; and
Whereas, adoption of the Halifax Resolves is considered one of the most important events in North Carolina's history; and
Whereas, the date "April 12, 1776" appears as part of North Carolina's flag; and
Whereas, 2011 marks the 235th anniversary of the adoption of the Halifax Resolves; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives wishes to pay tribute to Cornelius Harnett, Allen Jones, Thomas Burke, Abner Nash, and the other delegates to North Carolina's Fourth Provincial Congress for their brave action in seeking independence from Britain by adopting the Halifax Resolves.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives encourages the citizens of this State to learn more about North Carolina's Fourth Provincial Congress and their actions and to observe the 235th anniversary of the adoption of the Halifax Resolves.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.