March 11, 2025 - Introduced by Representatives Franklin, Hurd, Dittrich, Gundrum, Knodl, Murphy, Mursau, O'Connor, Penterman and Tittl, cosponsored by Senators Cabral-Guevara, Hesselbein and Spreitzer. Referred to Committee on Rules.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
AJR17,1,2
1Relating to: proclaiming the week of April 14, 2025, as Two Lights for Tomorrow
2Week in the state of Wisconsin. AJR17,1,63Whereas, the Wisconsin Legislature recognizes the importance of honoring 4and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation and 5reminding our citizens of the vital significance and relevance of our founding 6principles and ideals that created a unique national identity worth fighting for; and AJR17,1,107Whereas, the events of 1775 that began the revolution the year before 8independence was declared are significant moments that signaled the creation of a 9national identity and unity of purpose that transcended traditional geographic, 10cultural, and societal divides; and AJR17,1,1211Whereas, individuals and communities across all the colonies came together 12to support their fellow countrymen; and AJR17,2,213Whereas, on the evening of April 18, 1775, with impending hostile action from 14the British army in Boston, Massachusetts, Paul Revere and William Dawes along
1with other alarm riders undertook a perilous ride to alert everyone in the 2countryside of the coming danger; and AJR17,2,53Whereas, preceding their departure from Boston, a prearranged signal was 4set in the Old North Church steeple to ensure that the message got out and did not 5solely rely on just one or two alarm riders; and AJR17,2,96Whereas, the two lanterns that were the signal were immortalized in Henry 7Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem Paul Revere’s Ride as “one if by land, and two if by 8sea” and have become an enduring symbol of American vigilance, perseverance, 9and preparedness in the face of adversity; and AJR17,2,1310Whereas, those alarm riders and the citizens that answered the call to arms to 11serve and defend their fellow countrymen that night and the following day at the 12Battles of Lexington and Concord exemplify the spirit of community and shared 13responsibility that has defined our nation since its inception; and AJR17,2,1514Whereas, we are reminded, 250 years later, that the call for unity and the call 15to serve each other is no less relevant today than it was then; and AJR17,2,2116Whereas, a national initiative has been proposed by the staff of the Wisconsin 17Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial Commission that two lights 18be displayed in public spaces across the country for all to see, marking that 19significant anniversary in April 2025 and the beginning of the 250th anniversary 20commemorations leading up to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of 21Independence on July 4, 2026; and AJR17,3,222Whereas, state commissions, state governments, federal agencies, and 23community, heritage, and historical organizations across the country have eagerly
1endorsed the initiative, have pledged to support it and participate in it, and have 2encouraged others to do the same; and AJR17,3,83Whereas, some participating entities have also pledged to encourage a day of 4community service on April 19, 2025, as a way to encourage understanding about 5the true meaning of these historical commemorations, knowing that these events 6are not just marking history for history’s sake but rather encouraging reflection on 7the idea that all of these historic events were endeavoring toward one common goal: 8the chance for a better tomorrow, together; now, therefore, be it AJR17,3,149Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of 10the Wisconsin Legislature do hereby proclaim the week of April 14, 2025, as Two 11Lights for Tomorrow Week and call on all citizens to unite in remembrance of our 12shared history, honoring the sacrifices made by those who fought for our 13independence and reminding ourselves of the values we hold dear today; and, be it 14further AJR17,3,1915Resolved, That the Wisconsin Legislature encourages all government 16buildings, community centers, public spaces, and citizens to take part in this 17symbolic display by prominently displaying two lights for all to see during the week 18of April 14, 2025, and to reflect on how those lights shining out in the darkness 19during this vigil symbolically illustrate our ongoing journey as a nation.
