By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTGOMERY – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a proclamation endorsing the national Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative and proclaimed Friday, April 18, as Two Lights for Tomorrow Day in the state on Thursday, March 6.

Two Lights for Tomorrow is a nationwide initiative that kickstarts the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, which will occur on July 4, 2026. Paul Revere’s famous nighttime ride warning of the impending British forces occurred on April 18, 1775, exactly 250 years to the day of this year’s Two Lights for Tomorrow Day.

Households, businesses and government offices are invited to participate in the initiative. Residents are invited to light two candles or lanterns in their windows on the evening of April 18, while businesses are invited to display two lights prominently on the same day.

Government offices are also invited to use symbolic lighting in public buildings. The two lights symbolize the imagery of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride,” more specifically the line “One if by land, Two if by sea.”

“Let’s light up Alabama with the glow of liberty, reminding each other of the vigilance and courage that define us as Americans,” read a statement from American Village and the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission. “Together, we can make Two Lights for Tomorrow a shining moment in our state’s contribution to America’s 250th anniversary. Join us in this historic celebration, and let’s illuminate our state with the enduring light of freedom.”

Natalie Steed, the executive director of the Alabama USA Semiquincentennial Commission, explained the background of the initiative.

“The Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative came out of Wisconsin,” Steed said. “We work with other state commissions through America 250 and they proposed that other states participate in it. Currently 38 states are participating (in the initiative).”

For more information on the Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative, visit America250al.org.