Memorials, Recognition - Sword of the Senate -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Ed Jackson

The sword is designated the Sword of the Tennessee Senate, with the Chief Clerk as custodian for safekeeping and active ceremonial use in Senate sessions.

Rules Suspended, Adopted voice vote

#memorials #recognition

Purpose and intent

SR 450 acknowledges the receipt of a ceremonial sword donated by the Governor Archibald Roane Chapter of the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution.

The resolution designates the sword as the “Sword of the Tennessee Senate” and authorizes its custodian role to the Chief Clerk of the Senate.

The overarching aim is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (the semi-quincentennial) and to symbolize a historic regalia tradition within the Tennessee Senate.

Key provisions

Formal acknowledgment: The Senate gratefully acknowledges receipt of the ceremonial sword.

Designation and custodian: The sword is designated the “Sword of the Tennessee Senate.” The Chief Clerk of the Senate is authorized and required to serve as custodian, ensuring perpetual safekeeping and secure display in the Senate Chamber during annual sessions and in the Chief Clerk’s Office on other occasions.

Display and ceremonial use: The sword is intended to be an active piece of Senate regalia, not a museum display. It is to be integrated into the opening and closing ceremonies of Senate sessions and other ceremonial purposes as determined by future resolutions.

Recommendations for governance: The Chief Clerk is charged with making recommendations to the Select Committee on Rules regarding appropriate ceremonial use and secure display, as well as how the sword should be incorporated into Senate sessions and other ceremonial activities in future General Assemblies.

Who/what is affected

The Tennessee Senate, as an institution, gains a formal regalia item: the Sword of the Tennessee Senate.

The Chief Clerk of the Senate is designated as custodian and is responsible for safekeeping, display, and ceremonial integration.

The Governor Archibald Roane Chapter of the Tennessee Society Sons of the American Revolution and donors of the sword are acknowledged for their contribution.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was filed for introduction on April 22, 2026.

The Senate Rules Committee suspended rules and adopted the resolution by voice vote on April 23, 2026, indicating quick procedural handling and passage within the Senate.

The resolution calls for ongoing guidance through the Select Committee on Rules in subsequent General Assemblies regarding ceremonial use and display, suggesting that further detail will be established through future resolutions or rule changes.

Contextual notes

The sword is described as a modified replica of a historically significant sword associated with Governor John Sevier and the Battle of Kings Mountain, with inscriptions adapted to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The action continues a tradition seen in other legislative bodies worldwide, reinforcing the symbolic role of regalia in legislative proceedings.

This summary presents SR 450 as a ceremonial measure recognizing a donated regalia item and outlining its custodianship, display, and ceremonial integration within the Tennessee Senate.

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