MORGANTOWN – Proclamations submitted for recognition by Morgantown City Council come with an understanding that the decision about whether those requests see the light of day falls to the discretion of the elected body.
It’s not unprecedented for city council to receive a proclamation request and choose not to take it up.
That’s typically where things end, behind the scenes.
And that’s likely where things would have ended in the case of a recent request for a Rededicate 250: Liberty Month proclamation request submitted by Morgantown resident Dena Pride.
But Pride utilized the public portion of council’s most recent meeting to recount her efforts to have the proclamation recognized, prompting later comments in response from members of council.
Pride began her remarks by reading the opening lines from the Declaration of Independence, the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution, the Preamble of the West Virginia Constitution, and a portion of the presidential proclamation issued by President Donald Trump.
Those remarks were met with an unchallenged shout of “fascist” from an audience member.
“What I hope and what I believe is that God and liberty have been a part of this nation from its inception 250 years ago. The U.S. Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of West Virginia, our Pledge of Allegiance, our president, our governor, all recognize the reason and purpose of this nation’s founding. It is truly a miracle,” Pride said. “I am believing that the highest government authority in this amazing city that I have lived in for my entire life, the Morgantown City Council, who is under the authority of our state and federal constitutions, is committed to the mission of the highest office in West Virginia, the highest office in our nation, will join in this 250th anniversary.”
Council members responded during their respective reports at the end of the meeting.
“I personally opposed that proclamation due to its language that was super reminiscent of white nationalism. I found it dangerous, and the language of the proclamation itself made it quite clear that when they say ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all,’ they mean that conditionally,” Councilor Jodi Hollingshead said.
Deputy Mayor Brian Butcher recounted his upbringing as an altar boy in the Catholic Church, before adding, “The other thing I was taught is that we are a nation founded on the value of the freedom of religion, and as a secular nation, I think this turn towards Christian nationalism and white nationalism … Maybe it’s what the founding father intended – maybe it is – but I don’t believe that is the path in which our country is actually strongest or is able to provide for its citizens in the best way possible.”
He continued.
“I have a lot of people who are in the faith community that are very opposed to Christian nationalism because they see it as antithetical to the teachings of Christ,” Butcher said. “That proclamation is a Christian nationalist, white nationalist – many dog whistles within it – and is also just outright fascist in some parts. That’s why we didn’t read it, if you wanted an answer on it.”
Councilor Jenny Selin suggested the city put together “a big tent version, an inclusive version” of a proclamation to recognize America’s 250th birthday.
Mayor Danielle Trumble said that while she had no interest in reading the proclamation presented, she’s asked city staff to let Pride know the milestone will be recognized.
“I do think it’s important to recognize that despite issues that we may currently have with some of the happenings – every time I say ‘with the state of things or the state of the country’ I get yelled at – but despite some of the difficulties we are living in, I think it’s still appropriate to come together and recognize that it’s a big milestone for the country.”
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Text of the Rededicate 250: Liberty Month proclamation presented to the city:
WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence was adopted unanimously on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia, by the Second Continental Congress when they gathered to declare the birth of a new nation “conceived in LIBERTY and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, LIBERTY and the pursuit of Happiness.”
WHEREAS, in support of the Declaration of Independence, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, our Founding Fathers mutually pledged to each other their Lives, their Fortunes and their sacred Honor, birthing the United States of America into LIBERTY.
WHEREAS, the 47th President of the United States of America, by Proclamation, acknowledged that our Founding Fathers lit the torch of LIBERTY in 1776, therefore, let us ask our Creator to bless America, free our nation and our people from all threats, and guide our actions for the security and common good of all Americans.
WHEREAS, as we celebrate 250 years of freedom, the 47th President of the United States of America, by Proclamation, has given opportunity to rededicate ourselves, and our Nation to the principles that gave birth to this land of LIBERTY, just as our Founding Fathers did; and furthermore states ‘The Bible teaches: “In all circumstances give thanks.” As such, it is fitting that we mark this special year as a unique occasion to celebrate our proud history, reflect on our abundant blessings, pray for our country and our people, and rededicate ourselves as one Nation under God.”
WHEREAS, the Governor of West Virginia has proclaimed, “Our great nation has weathered storms and stood tall through thick and thin over the past 250 years. From the brave souls who fought for our freedom to the hardworking people who build our communities every day, America truly is a land of opportunity and resilience. As we prepare to gather all across the Great State of West Virginia to mark this momentous occasion, let’s reflect on the values that make the Mountain State – and America truly special – freedom, unity and the unwavering spirit of our people. From Bluefield to Wheeling, Ripley to Shepherdstown, and all points in between, join us as we celebrate our stories, our state and our nation.”
WHEREAS, a settlement was established along our riverbanks in 1766, later to be known as the City of Morgantown, our City is committed to the mission of the highest office in our State, and the highest office in our Nation to celebrate our Nation’s 250th anniversary.
Now, therefore, I, Danielle Trumble, Mayor of the City of Morgantown, on behalf of City Council, do hereby proclaim that the month of July 2026 is hereby designed as: REDEDICATE 250: LIBERTY MONTH in the City of Morgantown. As a community committed to LIBERTY for all, we join with our State, our Nation in celebration of this historical, unprecedented event, and encourage all residents to rededicate our city, and engage in celebrations, programs, concerts, ceremonies and activities throughout the City of Morgantown, that promote the true meaning of LIBERTY, as defined in 1776.
