Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-10-01

RECOGNIZING CLAY COUNTY'S AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION

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Context

On 2026-10-01, Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL-4) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING CLAY COUNTY'S AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION" in the House.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING CLAY COUNTY'S AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1006] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CLAY COUNTY'S AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION ______ HON. AARON BEAN of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, October 1, 2026 Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Clay County's upcoming America250 celebration. 250 years ago, America was born from a revolutionary idea: that government gets its power from the people. That idea became the United States of America. This year, our Nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. Back home in Clay County, Florida, we are marking this historic milestone by remembering what we inherited and recommitting ourselves to passing it on. On October 14, in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Clay County leaders will gather at the Historic Triangle in Green Cove Springs to sign our America 250 proclamation at exactly 2:50 in the afternoon. October 14 has special meaning. On that day in 1774, the First Continental Congress adopted the Declaration and Resolves, another important step on the road to July 4, 1776. Mr. Speaker, freedom does not run on autopilot. Every generation must teach it, defend it, and pass it on. Clay County is answering that call. On October 14, Clay County will not simply remember American history. We will add a page to it. May God bless Clay County, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. I include in the Record the following proclamation: WHEREAS, on July 4, 1776, our nation's founders declared that all people are created equal and are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, establishing the principles that continue to guide the United States of America; and WHEREAS, for 250 years, generations of Americans have defended those ideals through service, sacrifice, innovation, civic engagement, and an unwavering commitment to self- government; and WHEREAS, Clay County has played an important role in our nation's history, from its early settlements along the St. Johns River to its enduring support of agriculture, military service, conservation, commerce, and the freedoms that define our American way of life; and WHEREAS, the people of Clay County have built strong communities rooted in faith, family, hard work, and public service, creating a legacy that reflects the very principles upon which our Nation was founded; and WHEREAS, the 250th anniversary of the United States offers an opportunity to honor the courage and vision of those who came before us while recognizing our shared responsibility to preserve our history, protect our freedoms, and strengthen our communities for future generations; and WHEREAS, Clay County is proud to commemorate America's Semiquincentennial through educational programs, community celebrations, historic preservation efforts, and the establishment of a permanent Charters of Freedom display, creating a lasting tribute to the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights for residents and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, this anniversary reminds us that the American story is still being written, and that each generation has the privilege and responsibility to safeguard liberty, encourage civic participation, and inspire those who will follow us; and NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the undersigned elected officials of Clay County, together with our state and federal legislative partners, do hereby proclaim our shared commitment to honoring the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. We encourage all residents to reflect upon our nation's history, celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy, recognize the sacrifices made to preserve them, and work together to ensure that the blessings of liberty continue for generations to come. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 14th day of October, in Clay County, Florida, in celebration of America 250 and in recognition of our enduring commitment to our Nation, our community, and the generations yet to come. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING CLAY COUNTY'S AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 156 (Thursday, October 1, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1006] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CLAY COUNTY'S AMERICA 250 CELEBRATION ______ HON. AARON BEAN of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, October 1, 2026 Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Clay County's upcoming America250 celebration. 250 years ago, America was born from a revolutionary idea: that government gets its power from the people. That idea became the United States of America. This year, our Nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. Back home in Clay County, Florida, we are marking this historic milestone by remembering what we inherited and recommitting ourselves to passing it on. On October 14, in celebration of America's 250th anniversary, Clay County leaders will gather at the Historic Triangle in Green Cove Springs to sign our America 250 proclamation at exactly 2:50 in the afternoon. October 14 has special meaning. On that day in 1774, the First Continental Congress adopted the Declaration and Resolves, another important step on the road to July 4, 1776. Mr. Speaker, freedom does not run on autopilot. Every generation must teach it, defend it, and pass it on. Clay County is answering that call. On October 14, Clay County will not simply remember American history. We will add a page to it. May God bless Clay County, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. I include in the Record the following proclamation: WHEREAS, on July 4, 1776, our nation's founders declared that all people are created equal and are endowed with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, establishing the principles that continue to guide the United States of America; and WHEREAS, for 250 years, generations of Americans have defended those ideals through service, sacrifice, innovation, civic engagement, and an unwavering commitment to self- government; and WHEREAS, Clay County has played an important role in our nation's history, from its early settlements along the St. Johns River to its enduring support of agriculture, military service, conservation, commerce, and the freedoms that define our American way of life; and WHEREAS, the people of Clay County have built strong communities rooted in faith, family, hard work, and public service, creating a legacy that reflects the very principles upon which our Nation was founded; and WHEREAS, the 250th anniversary of the United States offers an opportunity to honor the courage and vision of those who came before us while recognizing our shared responsibility to preserve our history, protect our freedoms, and strengthen our communities for future generations; and WHEREAS, Clay County is proud to commemorate America's Semiquincentennial through educational programs, community celebrations, historic preservation efforts, and the establishment of a permanent Charters of Freedom display, creating a lasting tribute to the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights for residents and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, this anniversary reminds us that the American story is still being written, and that each generation has the privilege and responsibility to safeguard liberty, encourage civic participation, and inspire those who will follow us; and NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the undersigned elected officials of Clay County, together with our state and federal legislative partners, do hereby proclaim our shared commitment to honoring the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. We encourage all residents to reflect upon our nation's history, celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy, recognize the sacrifices made to preserve them, and work together to ensure that the blessings of liberty continue for generations to come. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 14th day of October, in Clay County, Florida, in celebration of America 250 and in recognition of our enduring commitment to our Nation, our community, and the generations yet to come. ____________________