Recognizing the 250th anniversaries of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps and encouraging commemorative activities throughout the state

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kenneth Paschal

HJR 337 ceremonially honors the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps 250th anniversaries and calls Alabama communities and installations to participate in commemorative activities in 2025.

Reported Out of Committee Second House

#resolutions

HJR 337 — Summary

Overview

Bill type: Resolution (House Joint Resolution)

Bill number: HJR 337

Title: Recognizing the 250th anniversaries of the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps and encouraging commemorative activities throughout the state of Alabama

Sponsor/Status: Introduced by Rep. Paschal; status: Reported Out of Committee, Second House

Introduced / First Reading: May 6, 2025

Current procedural posture:

House: First Reading on May 6, 2025; motion to Adopt adopted by voice vote (Paschal)
Senate: Received May 7, 2025 and referred to Senate Rules
House: Legislative actions show referral through committee and subsequent “Reported Out of Committee” in the second chamber on May 14, 2025

Purpose and Intent

Recognize and commemorate the 250th anniversaries of three foundational U.S. armed services branches:

United States Army (June 14, 1775)
United States Navy (October 13, 1775)
United States Marine Corps (November 10, 1775)

Align with broader statewide observances ahead of the national 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 2026) as proposed by the Alabama Semiquincentennial Commission ( America250al.org ).

Express gratitude for the valor, service, and sacrifices of current and former service members.

Key Provisions and Provisions’ Effects

Recognition: Official acknowledgment by the Alabama Legislature of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps 250th anniversaries.

Encouragement of activities: Calls on military installations, Department of Defense personnel, veterans, veteran service organizations, and all Alabamians to participate in commemorative events.

Sample observances: Specifically endorses or facilitates cake-cutting ceremonies on:

June 14, 2025 (Army)
October 13, 2025 (Navy)
November 10, 2025 (Marine Corps)

Dissemination of resolution: Directs that copies be provided to the Adjutant General of Alabama, installation commanders, and major veterans organizations to promote participation and celebration.

Affected Parties and Scope

Primary beneficiaries/targets: Alabama military installations (e.g., Redstone Arsenal, Maxwell-Gunter AFB, Fort Novosel), DoD personnel, veterans and veteran organizations, active-duty service members, reservists, and their families within Alabama.

Statewide impact: Encourages statewide engagement and commemorative activities; no new funding or mandatory programs are specified beyond encouragement and official recognition.

Timelines and Procedural Context

Policy instrument: Non-binding, symbolic resolution meant to recognize anniversaries and promote community participation.

Dates to note:

1775 anniversaries correspond to specific dates (Army: June 14; Navy: October 13; Marine Corps: November 10)
2025 is the 250th anniversary year for each branch

Next steps: If advanced, would require action in the Senate (referral to Rules) and possible concurrence with the House, with the intent of formal recognition and guidance for commemorative activities.

Bottom Line

HJR 337 is a ceremonial resolution aiming to honor the 250th anniversaries of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps and to mobilize Alabama communities and military installations to participate in commemorative activities during 2025. It reflects statewide support for veterans and military heritage, without authorizing new funding or mandatory programs.