Lander Commemorates Carolina Day by Dedicating Historic America 250 Proclamation

Lander University is marking Carolina Day – which honors the June 28, 1776, Battle of Sullivan’s Island – by officially dedicating an historic state proclamation recognizing the nation’s fight for liberty.

As the nation has been preparing for its 250th anniversary, “The Declaration of Thanksgiving and Celebration” was created by members of South Carolina’s executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. During his visit to deliver the keynote address at Lander's spring commencement ceremonies, South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge presented the University with one of the first limited-edition copies of the proclamation.

On Thursday, June 25, the historic proclamation was dedicated and officially placed on display inside the presidential suite on Lander's campus. The document emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ideals first enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, and serves as a reminder of the values of freedom, liberty and justice that continue to inspire new generations of South Carolinians.

“Few moments in world history are remembered centuries later, and fewer still alter the course of human events,” the proclamation reads. “The signing of the Declaration of Independence was one such rare and decisive moment. With its adoption, the signers implemented a revolutionary idea: that legitimate government derives its power from the consent of the People. From that idea emerged a new nation dedicated to securing its citizens' fundamental rights to liberty and equality.”

The dedication of the proclamation at Lander coincides with the celebration of Carolina Day, observed annually on June 28 to commemorate the Patriot victory at the Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776 – just six days before the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. A hastily constructed palmetto log fort withstood an attack by the powerful British Royal Navy. The victory became one of the first major American triumphs of the Revolutionary War and helped fuel the growing movement for independence.

Lander President Richard Cosentino said receiving the proclamation from the state’s chief justice was a great honor. “This proclamation is a powerful reminder of the ideals of liberty, service and civic responsibility that continue to shape our nation and inspire future generations,” Cosentino said. “At Lander, we are proud to help educate students who will carry forward the spirit of leadership, service and respect for the rule of law that our founders envisioned for America. We appreciate the generosity of Chief Justice John Kittredge in giving this proclamation to Lander University.”