Bingham County commemorating America’s beginnings with official proclamation
Published at | Updated at
IDAHO FALLS — America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year, but Bingham County is kicking it off early by commemorating another significant event.
On Wednesday morning, county commissioners will meet in the chambers at the Bingham County Courthouse to sign a declaration proclaiming April 18, 2025 “Two Lights for Tomorrow Day.”
On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere made his famous midnight ride through the Massachusetts countryside warning residents that British troops were invading.
“His ride was instigated by two lights that were hung in the Old North Church,” Bingham County Historical Society Executive Director Heather McPhie writes in an email to EastIdahoNews.com.
Tensions escalated the following day when the Battles of Lexington and Concord began, leading to a seven-year conflict known as the American Revolutionary War.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of these two events that led to the birth of the United States. Bingham County is commemorating them with the signing of its declaration on Wednesday.
“We call upon all citizens, businesses, and institutions to display two lights on the evening of April 18, 2025, in honor of our nation’s history and as a symbol of our united future,” the declaration says.
Two lights will be posted at the courthouse in conjunction with the declaration.
As part of its proclamation, Bingham County is also designating April 19 a day of community service.
“This initiative aims to foster civic engagement and inspire acts of service that will resonate throughout our communities as we prepare for America’s 250th birthday in 2026,” it says.
The declaration is part of a nationwide campaign “to commence the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States of America.” Bingham County is one of many counties across the nation participating in the introductory celebration. Neighboring Bannock and Bonneville Counties aren’t participating in the “Two Lights for Tomorrow” initiative, but will likely celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary next year.
A variety of activities and events will be held statewide over the next year as the celebration convenes.
McPhie first heard about this from a woman who moved to the area from Minidoka County. It’s issuing a similar declaration and McPhie wanted to do something in Bingham County. She brought it to the attention of county commissioners, as well as the Bingham County School District.
The state’s website has curriculum and activities for students and teachers.
JustServe, an organization that connects volunteers with service opportunities, will help organize service projects on April 19, according to McPhie.
McPhie is grateful to commissioners for making this a priority and is excited to celebrate America’s founding with the community.
“It’s exciting that our nation has lasted for 250 years and that we’re able to celebrate that,” McPhie says. “I hope that we as Americans can feel the sacrifice that the farmers at Lexington and Concord made as they stood up against the greatest army in the world. It’s a challenge to us to look at what we can do for the community.”
Bingham County was created less than 100 years after the U.S. Constitution was ratified. EastIdahoNews.com did an in-depth story about its beginnings, which you can read here.
EastIdahoNews.com comment boards are a place for open, honest, and civil communication between readers regarding the news of the day and issues facing our communities. We encourage commenters to stay on topic, use positive and constructive language, and be empathetic to the feelings of other commenters. THINK BEFORE YOU POST. Click here for more details on our commenting rules.