[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MECKLENBURG DECLARATION

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                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2025

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 250th anniversary 
of the Mecklenburg Declaration, or what we call the Meck Dec, that took 
place on May 20, 2025.
  A pivotal moment in the history of both the United States and North 
Carolina, when brave North Carolinians--united by their common pursuit 
of freedom--became the very first Americans to declare independence 
from the British. The Mecklenburg Declaration is the earliest known 
document to formally declare independence and paved the way for the 
establishment of the United States and our great democracy. Signed on 
May 20, 1775, the Mecklenburg Declaration marked one of North 
Carolina's most consequential actions during the Revolutionary period.
  The history of the Mecklenburg Declaration not only prompted 
independence for our entire nation but showed the passion of the 
citizens of our state. This passion led British Commander General 
Cornwallis to describe Charlotte as ``a hornet's nest of rebellion.'' 
After American victories at the battles of Lexington and Concord, 
Mecklenburg delegates gathered to draft the document severing ties with 
the British Crown. In the same spirit, our community continues to stand 
for liberty, justice and freedom.
  Sadly, all that has survived are copies based on oral recollections 
from some of the original delegates after an 1800 fire. Despite the 
physical paper's destruction, our great state commemorates this on our 
flag and through celebrations every year.
  I am proud of our heritage and our forefathers' stand for freedom I 
will always strive to represent our state with the same passion as 
those leaders so long ago.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the 250th anniversary of 
the Mecklenburg Declaration that took place on May 20, to honor the 
Mecklenburg Declaration and its historical anniversary for both the 
United States and the great state of North Carolina.
  I welcome all of my colleagues to join us in celebration of 250 years 
of freedom, thanks to the great North Carolinians who risked it all.

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