Big anniversary requires big planning

L ast week, I created the Arkansas 250 Commission to plan and coordinate events in celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial. The United States of America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence on July 4th, 2026.

Since declaring its independence from Great Britain on July 4th, 1776, the United States has continued to make its mark in the world, spreading its ideals of freedom and prosperity across the globe, in order to commemorate this important anniversary, Congress established the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016, urging the participation of state and local governments nationwide. The State of Arkansas intends to participate fully in the commemoration of this important anniversary of our great nation through the planning and coordination of celebratory events and activities throughout Arkansas.

I have appointed the following to The Arkansas 250 Commission: Christina Berner, Jonesboro Cathy Boozman, Rogers Debbie Haak, Texarkana Sharri Jones, Pine Bluff Valorie Lawson, Bentonville Ebony Mitchell, Little Rock Jan Zimmerman, Little Rock These seven new positions will expire July 5, 2026.

Additionally, there will be designees from the following offices: Speaker of the House; President Pro Tempore of the Senate; Executive Director of the Association of Arkansas Counties; and Executive Director of the Arkansas Municipal League. Other commission members include Director of the Arkansas Division of Heritage; the State Historian and Director of Arkansas State Archives; the Commissioner of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education; and Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, who shall serve as Chair of the Commission. Members of the Commission may select representatives from local history associations to serve as advisory members and will begin working July 31 and shall conclude its work on July 5, 2026.

Gov. Sarah Sanders