[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7617]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


 COMMEMORATING THE 240TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF 
                              INDEPENDENCE

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                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2015

  Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
commemorate the 240th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of 
Independence.
  Meck Dec Day marks a defining moment in our nation's history when 
brave North Carolinians--united by their common pursuit of freedom--
stepped forward to become the very first Americans to declare 
independence from the tyrannical crown of Great Britain.
  This courageous act of defiance paved the way for the establishment 
of the United States of America and our great experiment in democracy.
  North Carolina's bold leaders and citizens resisted British 
occupation during the Revolutionary War, prompting British Commander 
General Cornwallis to describe our fearless city as ``a hornet's nest 
of rebellion.''
  It's in this spirit that our community continues to stand for 
liberty, justice and freedom.
  I am so proud of our heritage and for the leadership that the State 
of North Carolina continues to provide this great nation.
  Mr. Speaker, on this historic anniversary, I want to congratulate the 
city of Charlotte and all North Carolinians.
  I welcome each and every one of my colleagues to join us in 
celebrating this important moment in our history and the great North 
Carolinians who risked everything to lay claim to our rights and 
freedom.

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