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SJR 1132

Memorials, Recognition - 250th Celebration of the Revolutionary War Veterans buried in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Becky Massey

SJR 1132 formally recognizes Revolutionary War veterans buried in the Great Smoky Mountains region as part of Tennessee’s 250th anniversary commemorations.

Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
#memorials #recognition
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 1132

Summary of Bill: SJR 1132 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Title

Memorials, Recognition - 250th Celebration of the Revolutionary War Veterans buried in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas

Purpose and Intent

  • To honor and recognize Revolutionary War veterans interred within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in surrounding areas as part of the United States’ 250th birthday (the 250th anniversary of the nation, commonly linked to the Revolutionary War era).
  • Emphasizes the veterans’ contributions to democracy, individual freedom, human rights, and Tennessee’s history.
  • Aims to acknowledge historic sacrifices made by veterans and their families, including those whose land and lives were affected by the establishment of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Key Provisions

  • Formal recognition by the Tennessee Senate (and concurrent House concurrence) of the contributions of Revolutionary War veterans associated with the Great Smoky Mountains region.
  • Specifically notes veterans buried within the park boundaries and in surrounding areas, including named individuals such as:
    • Henry Bohanan
    • William Hamby
    • Fredrick Emert
    • Spencer Clark
    • William Cocke
    • Mary Blount
    • Martha Dandridge Washington
  • The resolution states the intention to honor their memories on the occasion of the nation’s 250th birthday.
  • A ceremonial act: an appropriate copy of the resolution is to be prepared and presented. The copy will omit the closing clause that references House or Senate designation and will be prepared upon proper request to the clerk.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Primary: Revolutionary War veterans and their descendants or communities in East Tennessee, particularly those connected to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Secondary: Public recognition and historical memory within Tennessee, educational contexts, and park-related heritage discussions.
  • The measure is symbolic in nature, focusing on memorializing and recognizing past contributions rather than creating new programs or expenditures.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Introduced (April 14, 2026) and passed on First Consideration (April 15, 2026) in the Tennessee Senate.
  • Next steps: If continued, the resolution would proceed through standard legislative procedure for concurrent resolutions, potentially advancing to a committee or to the House for concurrence, depending on chamber processes.
  • Effective date: The resolution becomes effective upon passage and any formal presentation as specified; it commemorates the 250th anniversary theme during the state’s recognition activities.

Overall Assessment

  • SJR 1132 is a ceremonial, commemorative measure acknowledging the service and sacrifices of Revolutionary War veterans connected to the Great Smoky Mountains region.
  • It blends historical remembrance with a statewide celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and highlights individuals linked to both the park and surrounding communities.
  • No fiscal implications or substantive policy changes are indicated; the primary outcome is formal recognition and ceremonial commemoration.

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

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