July 5, 2023 |
Photo – Governor Mark Gordon – Bigfoot99 file photo
Prior to the long July 4th holiday break, Governor Mark Gordon signed an Executive Order creating the Wyoming Semiquincentennial Planning Task Force to make recommendations on the planning of events and activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.
The governor’s proclamation reads, ““The signing of the Declaration of Independence is of major significance in the development of the United States’ national heritage, establishing foundational American values of individual liberty, representative government, and the attainment of equal and inalienable rights.”
The Task Force will prepare proposals for events and activities that will occur as part of the celebration in 2026. It will include members appointed by the Governor representing the Wyoming Legislature, The Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone Tribes, State Parks, Wyoming Office of Tourism, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges and other non-governmental or industry organizations.
The executive order does not authorize the Task Force to spend state money. The Wyoming Legislature will appropriate any funds obligated by the Task Force.