Commemorating lives and sacrifices by Mississippians who served during War Between the States.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kathy Chism

Encourages reflective observance of Confederate Memorial Day focused on unity and honest history, supports displaying the 1894 Mississippi State Flag on state property during the e

Died In Committee

#rules

Purpose and Intent

SR 70 is a Senate resolution that honors Confederate Memorial Day and commemorates the lives and sacrifices of Mississippians who served during the War Between the States (American Civil War, 1861-1865).

It invites Mississippians to reflect on the history and lessons of that era and to recognize the costs of war, with an emphasis on unity and mutual respect.

Key Provisions and Changes

Acknowledges the War Between the States as a significant historical conflict and the sacrifices of Mississippians who served and died.

Reaffirms Mississippi law recognizing Confederate Memorial Day as a legal observance on the last Monday of April (via existing statute, Section 3-3-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended).

Notes the long-standing practice of governors issuing proclamations recognizing Confederate Heritage Month in April, a tradition dating back to 1993.

Encourages reflective observance that emphasizes reconciliation, unity, and the study of history with honesty.

Calls for the respectful display of the 1894 Mississippi State Flag on state buildings and grounds during the observance as a symbol of remembrance and unity (the 1894 flag is referenced as a symbol within the resolution).

Directs that the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and shared with the Capitol Press Corps.

Who or What Would Be Affected

Governmental and state observances: The resolution shapes ceremonial language and framing for the observance of Confederate Memorial Day.

Public display: Encourages display of the 1894 Mississippi State Flag on state property during the observance.

Public communications: The resolution would be disseminated to state officials and media as part of the observance messaging.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Died in Committee on April 15, 2026; referred to Rules on March 12, 2026.

Legislative path: As a resolution, it does not create new law or fiscal obligations but serves to express the Senate’s stance and guidance for observance and commemorative practices.

Effective date: Not applicable in the way a statute has an effective date; implementation aligns with annual commemorative practice on Confederate Memorial Day (last Monday of April) and related proclamations.

Additional Context

The bill emphasizes reflection, unity, and historical understanding rather than advancing tangible changes to policy.

It explicitly connects to existing commemorative traditions, civil holiday observance, and symbolic flag displays.

If you’d like, I can compare SR 70 to prior Confederate Memorial Day resolutions or provide a neutral, side-by-side overview with potential public reception considerations.

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