RALEIGH — The General Assembly’s America 250 Committee met Jan. 14 to continue its work on celebrations and events for the nation’s anniversary this year.
Members heard a guest presentation from David Hosaflook, an American missionary with dual U.S.-Albanian citizenship, which offered an outsider’s perspective on American freedom, liberty and global admiration for the U.S.
Hoosaflook emphasized how Albanians deeply value liberty due to their history under Ottoman, fascist and communist rule, and how Americans born in freedom may not fully appreciate it.
“Albanians love America because they love liberty,” Hoosaflook said. “People all around the world love America. Even many who criticize and curse America deep down want the freedom that America offers like no other country in the world.”
Co-chair Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke) called Hoosaflook’s presentation enlightening.
“I would never have thought to invite someone to present that perspective,” said Blackwell. “But I think it really, really is enlightening. … Those of us who are used to living under freedom probably don’t come close to the full appreciation of what we have.”
An update was given by Celebrate America Foundation (CAF) Chairman Stephen McKee via video call on the advancement of the patriotic concert to be held July 3 in High Point. The concert will be broadcast and recorded with PBS North Carolina stations. McKee said they are pursuing grants for the concert even though CAF is operating without full-time staff.
Department of Labor representative Sam Ward reported on potential July 4 parade plans, with discussions underway around cost and logistics between the N.C. Department of Cultural and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Department of Administration, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell.
DNCR’s Ann Evangelista said the department is coordinating statewide efforts, including pivoting Capitol-area Fourth of July plans if a parade proceeds.
Other DCNR updates included ringing of the Replica Liberty Bell on New Year’s Eve per national guidance and that 89 county committees were in place, covering 93% of the state’s population.
Additionally, North Carolina’s America 250 activities were featured on VisitNC’s visitor guide cover, upcoming RDU airport exhibits and an N.C. Museum of History lecture series on Revolutionary War history.
Activities for the July 4 anniversary were discussed, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a naturalization ceremony to be held on the state Capitol grounds.
There was discussion on getting recognition for the Over the Mountain Victor Trail as well as historical markers to be placed in Lake James State Park with help from the Wildlife Resources Commission.
The committee also touched on America 250 biweekly columns to be submitted to North State Journal by members of the commission.
Blackwell closed out the meeting by announcing he had received an email from Duke Energy. The company has set aside more than $1 million in grants for nonprofits in support of America 250 events, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.
Those considered eligible to apply are qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Duke Energy communities in North Carolina and five other states, including Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and South Carolina.
The application window opened Jan. 12 and will close Feb. 20. There is a limit to one application per entity. Additional details can be found at tinyurl.com/NSJDuke250.
McMahon visits Fayetteville
U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon is making her way through all 50 states on the History Rocks!: Trail to Independence and Returning Education to the states tours.
McMahon made tour stops at Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Junior High School in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, as well as Jack Britt High School in Fayetteville.
According to a press release, more than 500 students in grade 9-12 at Jack Britt High School participated in interactive games focused on America 250, patriotism and the nation’s history. Participating students also received prizes through the History Rocks! initiative.
“Having grown up in North Carolina, I know firsthand the state’s pivotal role in our nation’s history,” McMahon said. “From being the first colony to call for independence in the 18th century to the birthplace of flight in the 20th, North Carolina’s rich legacy will be carried forward by the next generation of Tarheels.
“As we celebrate 250 years of the United States, History Rocks! invites students to engage with American civics and the principles of our founding — and to envision the role they can play in shaping our nation’s future.”
Registration for the Presidential 1776 Award, one of the department’s America 250 national high school student competitions, will be closing soon. The competition includes a series of exams focused on “recognizing excellence in American founding history.”
After several rounds of tests, the competition will end with finalists participating in a nationally broadcast final “Civics Bee” in Washington, D.C. The prizes include scholarships of up to $150,000. The national 1776 Presidential Award registration window will close on Feb. 21 at 11:59 PM Eastern.
To view the U.S. Department of Education’s America 250 activities and to sign up for the Presidential 1776 Award competition, visit tinyurl.com/NSJEd250.
