A HOUSE RESOLUTION observing the anniversary of the mecklenburg declaration of independence.
Whereas, on May 19, 1775, a group of elected representatives met in Mecklenburg County upon the call of Colonel Thomas Polk, commander of the County's Militia, to discuss recent events relating to Great Britain; and
Whereas, in response to the news that colonists had been killed by the British at Lexington, these officials drafted a document composed of five resolutions declaring freedom for the residents of Mecklenburg County from Great Britain; and
Whereas, the document, later called the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, was read on the courthouse steps in Charlotte to concerned citizens from the County and surrounding areas on May 20, 1775; and
Whereas, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was the first declaration of independence made in the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution; and
Whereas, on May 31, 1775, a committee met to draft the Mecklenburg Resolves, which were bylaws to govern the now independent citizens of Mecklenburg County; and
Whereas, the original Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was purported to have been destroyed in a fire, but, in 1819, the Raleigh Register published what was believed to be the text of the original document; and
Whereas, May 20, 1775, is a significant date that is widely recognized by many North Carolinians, as that date is honored on the Great Seal and Flag of the State of North Carolina; and
Whereas, celebrations marking the anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence have been observed for over 240 years and, at times, have attracted thousands of visitors, including Presidents Taft, Wilson, Eisenhower, and Ford, and other dignitaries; and
Whereas, the early citizens of Mecklenburg County are to be commended for their independent spirit, leadership, and vision; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives joins the citizens of Mecklenburg County in recognizing the historical significance of the patriots that had the foresight to draft the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.
SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.