Proclamations
Proclamations for Seward’s Claim of “Fourth of July City”
Originally, in 1969, Seward was in search of an identity, a claim to fame. Communities in the surrounding area and through out Nebraska were creating themes for their cities and we felt we should too! For example, Wilber is the Czech Capital, Wayne is the Chicken Capital, York is the Egg Capital, Lincoln is the Star City or Capital City, O’Neill is the Irish Capital, Stromsburg is the Swedish Capital (not to be confuse with Oakland which is the Swede Capital), Syracuse is the German Capital, Newman Grove is the Norwegian Capital and Dannebrog is the Danish Capital of Nebraska.
We considered several possibilities, as we have a rich German heritage in the community, a strong Czech community heritage and even considered being the educational capital of Nebraska because of Concordia University and Southeast Community College. It was pointed out, however, that one of our real consistent “Claims to Fame” was our annual Fourth of July celebration and we should “capitalize” on it! So the Seward Fourth of July Committee decided to be “Nebraska’s Official Fourth of July City” and wrote to Governor Jim Exon to proclaim us as such! We even wrote a sample proclamation to make the request as easy as possible! On March 27, 1973, Governor Jim Exon proclaimed Seward as “Nebraska’s Official Fourth of July City” and presented the committee and community of Seward with a framed copy of the proclamation and it was official.
In 1979, the committee what to go one step further and asked to be named the National or America’s Fourth of July City.” Former US Congressman and current Governor Charlie Thone was the first to respond with an official proclamation for Seward and US Senator Ed Zorinsky followed with a proclamation from the United States Senate.
All of the official proclamations hang in the Seward Civic Center and are the foundation of the official theme for the City of Seward, as we have embraced the “Fourth of July City” theme and incorporated it into many of the activities, logos and banners in the community. While we celebrate over four decades with the title, it is a continuous promotional effort, creating an atmosphere of a united community in celebration and we are red, white and blue 365 days of the year, not just on the Fourth of July.
State of Nebraska
Executive Office
Lincoln, Nebraska
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS the City of Seward, State of Nebraska, annually plays host to the State in a celebration on the Fourth of July, emphasizing national patriotism, community pride and community cooperation; and
WHEREAS efforts are made each year to improve and promote the all day celebration—creating an event that the entire State can enjoy; and
WHEREAS underlying elements stress the “old-fashion” style of family entertainment; and
WHEREAS although the celebration is flexible and has offered numerous events, the typical agenda includes a community reception, a 200 unit parade, art shows, chimes concerts, band concerts, an ice-cream social, a bar-b-que, a community carnival, a teen dance, a free grandstand show, old fashioned games and contests, and the best fireworks display in the state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, J. JAMES EXON, Governor of the State of Nebraska DO HEREBY PROCLAIM the City of Seward as
NEBRASKA’S FOURTH OF JULY CITY
and urge all citizens of our State to observe this celebration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed.
DONE at the State Capitol,
Lincoln, Nebraska this 27th Day of March in the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy Three
Signed
J. James Exon
Governor, State of Nebraska
Witness
Signed
Allen J. Beermann
Secretary of State
State of Nebraska
State of Nebraska
Executive Office
Lincoln, Nebraska
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS the City of Seward, Nebraska annually plays host to the nation in a patriotic celebration on the Fourth of July, emphasizing national patriotism, and community cooperation and pride; and
WHEREAS efforts are made to improve and promote the Fourth of July celebration, creating an event that the entire Nation can enjoy; and
WHEREAS the planning and organization of the celebration encourage youth involvement and leadership; and
WHEREAS the Fourth of July celebration has repeatedly been recognized and honored by national organizations for its example of national patriotism on a community level; and
WHEREAS the City of Seward, Nebraska, has created a fine example by portraying the small town, patriotic ethic for the entire Nation, through state and national media coverage, in an event the entire family can enjoy:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charles Thone, Governor of the State of Nebraska, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM the City of Seward, Nebraska as
NATIONAL FOURTH OF JULY CITY – SMALL TOWN U.S.A.
And urge all of our citizens to enthusiastically observe this celebration with the City of Seward.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed.
DONE at the State Capitol, Lincoln,
Nebraska, this 15 of May in the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy Nine
Signed
Charles Thone-Governor
Attest:
Signed
Allen J. Beermann
Secretary of State
State of Nebraska
The United States Senate
Washington, D. C.
25010
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS The City of Seward, State of Nebraska annually plays host to the Nation in
Patriotic celebration on the Fourth of July, emphasizing community pride, National patriotism, and community cooperation; and
WHEREAS efforts are made each year to improve and promote the all day Fourth of July celebration – celebrating an event that the entire nation can enjoy; and
WHEREAS underlying elements stress youth involvement and leadership on the Organizational and planning levels of the celebration; and
WHEREAS the Fourth of July celebration has repeatedly been recognized and honored by various national and governmental organizations for their patriotism on a community level; and
WHEREAS THE City of Seward, Nebraska has created a fine example;—portraying the “small town, patriotic ethic’ to the entire nation, through state and national media coverage, in an event the entire family can enjoy —
NOW, THEREFORE, I Do Hereby Proclaim The City of Seward, Nebraska
As
“National Fourth of July City – Small Town U. S. A.”
And urge all our citizens to observe this celebration with the City of Seward in spirit and enthusiasm.
Signed
Edward Zorinsky
United States Senator-Nebraska
May 20th, 1979
United States Capitol
Washington, D.C