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HJR 509

Memorials, Recognition - 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Ceremonial memorial recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, honoring patriots and minutemen, with no new policy or funding impact.

Signed by Governor.
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 509

Summary of HJR 509 (Memorials, Recognition – 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord)

Overview

  • Type: House Joint Resolution (joint resolution, with Senate concurrence)
  • Sponsor: Representative Stevens
  • Title/Purpose: Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775)
  • Status: Signed by the Governor (effective as a ceremonial, commemorative resolution)
  • Introduction date: March 26, 2025
  • Version content: The resolution honors the minutemen and patriots who fought at Lexington Green and along the road to Concord, recognizing the battles as the opening events of the American Revolutionary War and the origin of the phrase “the shot heard round the world.” The resolution includes a directive about preparing an appropriate copy for presentation and a final clause regarding formatting and seal language.

Purpose and Intent

  • The core purpose is ceremonial: to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord and to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for American independence.
  • It situates the events as foundational to the nation’s idea of liberty and self-government and ties them to the broader legacy of the American Revolution.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Commendation: The General Assembly memorializes the Battles of Lexington and Concord and honors the patriot minutemen and those who gave their lives in the early struggle for freedom.
  • Acknowledgment: Emphasizes the significance of the April 19, 1775 engagements as pivotal in American history and in inspiring future generations to pursue liberty and justice.
  • Administrative directive: The resolution requires that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation, with a specific instruction about omitting the final clause from the copy and formatting language related to the State seal when requested.
  • Content of the text (summary): The resolution includes standard “WHEREAS” statements praising the events and the participants, followed by a “BE IT RESOLVED” section confirming congressional concurrence and commemorative intent.

Affected Parties

  • Legislative bodies: Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate (through joint resolution and concurrence)
  • General public and educational institutions: The resolution can serve as a basis for ceremonies, historical education, and official commemoration within the state.
  • No new statutes or appropriations: Commemorative in nature; no fiscal or regulatory changes are attached.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Introduction: March 26, 2025
  • House action: Passed with broad support (Ayes and no notable opposition noted in the record)
  • Senate action: Concurred and enrolled; signed by Speaker of the Senate and House Speaker
  • Governor action: Transmitted April 14, 2025; signed April 15, 2025
  • Effective status: Ceremonial resolution; no regulatory or budgetary impact

Additional Notes

  • The bill is a commemorative recognition and does not create new policy obligations or funding.
  • The text references the traditional historical narrative surrounding the “minutemen,” Lexington Green, and the conflict’s role in sparking the American Revolution.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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