SR-226, As Adopted by Senate, October 2, 2008

            Senators Stamas and Hardiman offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 226.

            A resolution to commemorate September 3, 2008, as the 225th Anniversary of the Treaty of Paris and the end of the American Revolutionary War.   

            Whereas, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, William Temple Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens signed the Treaty of Paris with David Hartley representing King George III on September 3, 1783, to bring a formal end to the American Revolutionary War; and

            Whereas, The signatures of these commissioners to the treaty negotiations marked the end of thirteen colonies in rebellion against their mother country and the beginning of thirteen united states founded for the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and

            Whereas, The treaty formalized the armistice announced by General George Washington's general orders in April 1783, which General Washington hailed by saying it "opens the prospect to a more splendid scene, and, like another morning star, promises the approach of a brighter day than hath hitherto illuminated the western hemisphere"; and

            Whereas, The American Congress of the Confederation ratified the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784, and succeeding generations of Americans since then have rededicated themselves to its principles of liberty and independence for our country and her citizens; and

            Whereas, General Washington reserved his highest praise for the citizen soldiers "on the dignified part they have been called to act...on the stage of human affairs; for happy, thrice happy, shall they be pronounced hereafter who have contributed anything, who have performed the meanest office in erecting this stupendous fabric of Freedom and Empire on the broad basis of Independency; who have assisted in protecting the rights of human nature and establish an asylum for the poor and oppressed of all nations and religions"; and

            Whereas, It is altogether appropriate that we commemorate this noble anniversary and the heroic sacrifice of the citizens who brought our country to this happy day; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That September 3, 2008, be remembered as the 225th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris, a signature moment in the advancement of freedom and liberty for mankind; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Society Sons of the American Resolution in recognition of their dedication to the memory and principles of our country’s struggle for liberty.