CHAPTER 641
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12
REAFFIRMING THAT DELAWARE BE KNOWN AS "THE FIRST STATE".
WHEREAS, during the past few years the slogan identifying Delaware as "The State That Started A Nation" has gained prominence through its widespread usage; and
WHEREAS, this slogan is historically inaccurate; and
WHEREAS, no one state can claim credit for the beginning of the Nation on July 4, 1776, since the thirteen colonies, acting in concert, started the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, it is historically correct to call Delaware "The First State", as Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution, which established the states on December 7, 1787, fully eleven and one-half years after the Nation was actually started; and
WHEREAS, there can be found no formal record or order which authorized or directed the State Archivist to emblazon the slogan "The State That Started A Nation".
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the 127th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Governor concurring therein, that Delaware hereafter shall be known as "The First State" and that all references and uses as to the slogan "The State That Started A Nation" be hereby terminated for all time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State be directed to use the term "The First State" in all matters where a description, nickname or slogan is to be required or used and that references to Delaware as "The State That Started A Nation" be ended.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Senate and the House of Representatives and that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the Department of State and the Department of Economic Development and Community Affairs.
Approved January 8, 1974.