Noem announces new commission to celebrate 250th anniversary of USA

Annie Todd, Sioux Falls Argus Leader
·2 min read
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Gov. Kristi Noem announced Thursday through executive order a new commission to plan the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of United States' founding in 2026.

While the anniversary of the United States' birthday is three years away, the commission will "plan, encourage, develop, coordinate, and promote observances and activities to be held in South Dakota," according to a press release from the Governor's Office.

July 4, 2023: Fireworks burst on the National Mall above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol building during Independence Day celebrations in Washington.
July 4, 2023: Fireworks burst on the National Mall above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol building during Independence Day celebrations in Washington.

“Our United States of America is the greatest nation to ever exist in the history of the world. In less than three years, we’re turning 250. This momentous occasion deserves a year-long celebration worthy of our great country,” Noem stated in the release. “I am looking forward to working with the America 250th South Dakota Commission to commemorate our history. Together, we will cherish our founding principles and celebrate our Freedoms.”

Who will make up the commission?

The commission will be made up of appointments by the Governor, members of which include:

• Cabinet Secretaries, or their designee;• Director of the State Historical Society, serving as chairperson;• The State Librarian;• Representative(s) form the Board of Regents;• Representative(s) of the Historical Society Foundation;• Members appointed by the governor representing the geographic and cultural diversity of the state;• Representative(s) and senator(s) of the state legislature;• Representative(s) of local history organizations; and,• Any other interested representative(s) deemed necessary by the governor.

The commission will also appoint a Tribal Advisory Subcommittee and invite members of the nine tribes of South Dakota to participate, according to the order.

The commission will also focus on developing programs and activities that center around the Declaration of Independence, the founding era and the "pursuit of happiness" to deepen knowledge around the period in American history and it's role in shaping "us as a people, state and nation," according to the executive order.

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How will the commission be funded?

As for funding, the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation will be in charge of accepting donations and grants to the state for the purpose of the Commission and the executive order.

Commission members will also be entitled to expense reimbursements and per diem compensation, except members who are state employees, according to the executive order. The Department of Education will be in charge of paying out those expenses.

The DOE and the Historical Society will provide administrative and technical support, according to the executive order.

Finally, the Commission will be finish its work by March 31, 2027 and will be expected to provide a report to the Governor that could be used in planning the 300th Anniversary of the nation's founding in 2076.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Gov. Kristi Noem announces SD commission for USA's 250th birthday