RALEIGH — The legislative committee overseeing America 250 celebrations in North Carolina met Sept. 18 to discuss activities planned in the coming months.
Committee Co-Chair Ted Alexander (R-Cleveland) shared historical facts for “on this day in history,” including events from 1776, 1793, 1906 and 1947.
“Now, on this day in history, in 1776, on Sept. 18, Gen. George Washington wrote to the president of the Continental Congress, John Hancock, to report on the Battle of Harlem Heights and relayed the news of the death of Cap. Thomas Knowlton,” Alexander said. “And then on the same day in 1793, Sept. 18, 1793, George Washington then laid the cornerstone of the United States Capitol Building.”
A presentation was given by James Banks on the role of faith and prayer in colonial North Carolina history, emphasizing the Moravians’ influence stemming from a 1727 prayer meeting in Germany and their settlements in places like Bethabara. Following his presentation, committee members held a brief Q&A with Banks.
Member Troy Kickler updated the group on initiatives like a special semiquincentennial edition of the state constitution and traveling exhibits from the American Journey Experience museum in Dallas featuring Revolutionary War artifacts, which were also discussed at the committee’s previous meeting.
Kickler also provided updates on the committee’s America 250 website to include certain announcements and a community calendar, as well as short two-minute lawmaker video recordings “about why it’s important to remember the semiquincentennial.”
Additionally, Kickler described outreach efforts to spread America 250 messages, including op-eds, a Speaker’s Bureau and monthly bell-ringing events at churches, with committee members suggesting additional appropriate venues like public libraries and the Earl Scruggs Center.
One bell ringing had taken place in Moore County the day before the committee met. The Old School House bell at Moore County Schools Headquarters was rung at noon on Constitution Day.
Due to low attendance, no official actions were taken during the meeting.
In other state news, it was announced that the North Carolina State Fair will feature an America 250 booth in Dorton Arena. The booth will feature trivia games, America 250 swag and the “People of Colonial North Carolina” traveling exhibit.
Nationally, President Donald Trump launched “America Prays“ initiative, a “call for Americans to unite in prayer for the nation’s strength, peace, and prosperity as the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaches.”
Trump unveiled the initiative in July in Iowa and formally launched America Prays at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 8.
“Next year, we will celebrate 250 years since that Declaration was signed,” Trump said. “As part of the grand commemoration … we’ve invited America’s great faith communities to pray for our nation, for our people, and for peace in the world.”
