by Dave Williams | Capitol Beat News Service
ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp has established a state commission to promote the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year.
Congress established the U.S. Sesquicentennial Commission in 2016 and encouraged the creation of similar commissioners in each state.
“As the 13th colony, Georgia was represented by three courageous signers of the Declaration of Independence who pledged their very lives to support it,” Kemp said Friday. “We look forward to empowering our communities in celebrating Georgia’s unique role in our country’s founding as we honor and commemorate this historic observance with partners across the state.”
The Georgia US250 Commission will be chaired by Cameron Bean, chairman of the Georgia Humanities Council’s Board of Directors, with Georgia Historical Society President and CEO Todd Groce serving as vice chair.
The commission also will include Pat Wilson, commissioner of the state Department of Economic Development; and Mark Jaronski, the agency’s chief marketing officer. Georgia Humanities Council President Mary McCartin Wearn will serve as the commission’s administrator.
The new commission is calling on local and county groups in both the public and private sectors to develop a calendar of events to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Organizers will receive access to the state’s Georgia US250 marketing toolkit, including the official logo and a template press release.
“The American Revolution and our experiment in self-government is an ongoing process,” Groce said. “The commission asks Georgia organizations and communities to plan and share information on their plans for civic activities that will inspire Georgians and renew their commitment to the lofty and timeless ideals embodied in the Declaration of Independence.”
