A JOINT RESOLUTION Commemorating INDEPENDENCE Day and expressing support of the recital of the pledge of allegiance.
Whereas, Independence Day is our country's most important national holiday; and
Whereas, on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, declaring freedom of the 13 American colonies from British rule at a meeting held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and
Whereas, the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence included three men from North Carolina, William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and John Penn; and
Whereas, on May 16, 1783, the General Assembly, "Resolved, that the fourth day of July be and is hereby appointed a day of General Thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God for the gracious Interposition of Divine Providence in behalf of this nation …"; and
Whereas, this country was founded on religious freedom and our Founding Fathers deeply believed that the freedom to worship as one chooses was a fundamental right; and
Whereas, the Pledge of Allegiance has for almost 50 years included references to our country having been established as a union "under God" and to this country being dedicated to securing "liberty and justice for all"; and
Whereas, as July 4th nears, the 226th birthday of our nation, the General Assembly supports reciting the Pledge of Allegiance across our nation and observing our nation's patriotic traditions; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly commemorates July 4th, our Day of Independence, and urges the people of this State to participate in activities celebrating our nation's freedom.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly supports the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance as we recommit ourselves to the principles and traditions that motivated our Founding Fathers and guaranteed to us the blessings of liberty.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.