Video & Transcript : 'ceremony' :
Page 20 of 57
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EDN Info Briefing - Thu Jan 15, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We're calling it the 2026 recognition ceremony, but we're honoring the class of 2025, and that's because
- So if I call it the 2025 recognition ceremony, people think we're talking about last year's.
- We we're calling it the 2026 recognition<00:36:49.760><c> ceremony,</c><00:36:50.720><c> but</c><00:36
- ceremony, but we're honoring the<00:36:51.839><c> class</c><00:36:52.079><c> of</c><00:36:52.320><c>
- , people think we're talking ceremony, people think we're talking about<00:37:00.880><c> last</c><00:
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Senate revived the ceremonial reading in 1888.
- The Senate revived the ceremonial reading in 1888, and each year since 1896, the Senate has observed
- The Senate revived the ceremonial War.
- The Senate revived the ceremonial reading<02:13:32.880><c> in</c><02:13:33.119><c> 1888.
- </c><02:14:01.760><c> reading</c> The House revived the ceremonial reading The House revived the ceremonial
Bills:
HB4758
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs and Joint Legislative Audit Aug 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The spirit denied the proper return to Mother Earth for our reburial ceremonies that restore balance.
- They carry identity, history, ceremony, and responsibility.
- when ancestors are returned and finally laid to rest, as well as when items are handled, used in ceremony
Summary:
The joint hearing focused on the University of California’s compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and CalNAGPRA, based on the California State Auditor’s April 2025 report and updates from UC and tribal representatives. Committee members and tribal witnesses emphasized the moral urgency of returning ancestral remains and cultural items, criticized the lack of clear timelines and accountability, and noted that other institutions have repatriated collections more quickly. The State Auditor said UC still has major gaps in identifying collections, completing campus searches, setting measurable deadlines, securing items, and fully using repatriation funding; the auditor projected that some campuses could take until 2037, 2041, 2053, or even 2089 to finish at current rates, and said 12 of 19 audit recommendations remained open. The Native American Heritage Commission said progress has been too slow and that new CalNAGPRA enforcement regulations are being finalized.
UC Office of the President and campus leaders responded that the university has made substantial changes since 2019, including a revised NAGPRA policy, expanded staffing, new committees with tribal representation, more consultation, and more financial support for tribes. UC said it has repatriated more than 9,000 ancestors, 280,000 associated funerary objects, and 59,000 other cultural items systemwide, and that it is continuing to implement audit recommendations and improve transparency through a repatriation dashboard and funding information. Berkeley, San Diego, Riverside, and Santa Barbara each described campus-specific progress, including more staff, more consultations, more site reviews, and updated timelines; Berkeley said it is on track to publish remaining ancestors by the federal deadline, San Diego said it has repatriated 73% of remains and about 53% of cultural items, Riverside said nearly all known ancestors and associated funerary objects have been noticed or repatriated, and Santa Barbara said it has restructured its program and added staffing and tracking systems.
Members pressed UC on why timelines remain so long, why some campuses still lack clear completion dates, and whether the Legislature should use budget tools to increase accountability. The auditor suggested the Legislature could consider stronger funding conditions and clearer expectations, while some members noted constitutional limits on earmarking UC’s base budget. UC said repatriation must be tribally led, that consultation and reburial can take time, and that some delays stem from incomplete records, overlapping tribal claims, and the need to reunite items with ancestors. No formal vote or action was taken at the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs and Joint Legislative Audit Aug 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The spirit denied the proper return to Mother Earth for our reburial ceremonies that restore balance.
- They carry identity, history, ceremony, and responsibility.
- when ancestors are returned and finally laid to rest, as well as when items are handled, used in ceremony
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- There are big funerals, numerous fundraisers, awards ceremonies, and functions honoring our heroes.
- In the two years that I've been president of the State Police Association, I have attended two ceremonies
- This section establishes a dedicated, non-appropriated fund to support the maintenance and annual ceremony
Summary:
The hearing focused on a range of public safety bills, with especially emotional testimony on the Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act, which would require short-term rentals to be inspected for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and require platforms or agents to verify compliance before listing. Rep. Hadley Luddy, Sen. Julian Cyr, and the Hubbard and Waldron families described the fatal Airbnb fire that killed Shannon Hubbard and her daughter Maggie in New York, saying the deaths were preventable and that the bill would save lives. Committee members expressed sympathy and support for the families’ efforts to turn their loss into legislation.
The committee also heard testimony on a proposed peace officer oath (S. 1680), described by Sen. Lydia Edwards as a binding ethical standard tied to certification and recertification, with discipline and annual reporting to promote accountability and de-escalation. Rep. Tom Walsh testified for a bill requiring hotel and motel workers to be trained to recognize human trafficking and to post hotline signage, and later testimony supported a school safety data grant program to provide first responders with standardized, up-to-date school maps for emergencies. Another major topic was a bill to allow temporary door-locking devices in public buildings; supporters said the devices are removable, do not alter fire code, and could improve lockdown response during active shooter events.
Additional bills discussed included measures to transfer the Office of Emergency Medical Services to EOPSS, increase penalties for unlicensed hood-system cleaning, expand membership on the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, and strengthen confidentiality for peer support and critical incident stress debriefings. Firefighters and fire chiefs also supported a bill to tighten penalties for violations of hot-work regulations, citing the 2014 Beacon Street fire that killed Lt. Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy. Law enforcement groups backed a package including a Blue Star plate and Blue Alert system for fallen officers’ families, stronger move-over penalties, and a memorial fund, while the State Police Association supported the move-over provisions but asked for further work on the special state police officer bill before final action. No votes were taken during the hearing.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
Opening Day Floor Session 01-15-2025 10:00am
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I know she asked for a thank you to all who helped in the ceremony, but what you need to remember
- uh to all who helped in the ceremony but uh to all who helped in the ceremony but what<00:30:15.120><
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
A New Senator Shares His Priorities | Senator Michael Holmstrom Apr 17th, 2026
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- . >> I remember during your swearing-in ceremony, you had a moment of silence for him and I thought that
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- installed in the early 1950s, and as you heard Senator Adams mention yesterday, there will be a ceremony
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- guests in the gallery, it's my pleasure to introduce two special guests who have joined us for this ceremony
Summary:
The transcript is of a Florida Legislature joint session convened to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the House and Senate were received, a committee was appointed to notify the Governor that the joint session was ready, and the Governor and First Lady were introduced. The Senate President presided, a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were offered, and the joint session then recessed to await the Governor’s arrival.
Governor Ron DeSantis delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record over the past seven years. He highlighted fiscal restraint, larger reserves and rainy-day funds, debt reduction, tax cuts, business and job growth, school choice expansion, education reforms, higher teacher pay, civics initiatives, environmental restoration efforts in the Everglades, hurricane response improvements, public safety and immigration enforcement, and opposition to DEI and other ideological policies. He also urged lawmakers to send him bills on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and addressing what he described as the creep of Sharia law.
The Governor additionally called for property tax relief through the constitutional amendment process and for legislation emphasizing informed consent in medical decision-making. He warned about risks posed by artificial intelligence and said new technologies should align with American values. No substantive votes were taken on policy matters during the session; after the Governor’s remarks, the joint session adopted a motion to dissolve.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-13 (11:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- guests in the gallery, it's my pleasure to introduce two special guests who have joined us for this ceremony
Summary:
The House and Senate met in joint session to receive the Governor’s annual message. After the customary opening, prayer, pledge, and motions to notify the Governor, the Governor and First Lady were received and the Governor delivered a lengthy address reviewing his administration’s record and outlining priorities for the coming session.
The Governor highlighted what he described as major accomplishments over the past seven years, including stronger state reserves, debt reduction, tax relief, economic growth, school choice expansion, higher teacher pay, civics education, higher education reforms, Everglades restoration, hurricane response improvements, public safety measures, and immigration enforcement. He also discussed affordability concerns, especially rising local property taxes, and urged lawmakers to pursue a ballot measure for property tax relief. He called for legislation on informed consent in medical decisions, regulation of artificial intelligence, and bills already filed on issues such as eliminating DEI in local governments, further restricting illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking Sharia law.
No substantive votes were taken on legislation during the address. After the Governor concluded, the joint session approved a motion to dissolve, and the meeting adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- guests in the gallery, it's my pleasure to introduce two special guests who have joined us for this ceremony
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- H.R. 512 by Zwiener concerning Kyle Menora Lighting Ceremony.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Military and Veterans Affairs Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They help us with our graduation ceremony. You remember, they do the color guard and such.
- We conduct one memorial ceremony and an internment for them once a year, usually in the September time
- represent the state and honor people that, in some cases, have no one to claim their remains or have a ceremony
- . no one to claim their remains or have a ceremony.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 03/06/25
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- for the Minnesota State Capitol and grounds looked to create a canvas for civic life, to create a ceremonial
- civic life to to create a canvas for civic life to create<00:03:32.799><c> a</c><00:03:32.959><c> ceremonial
- c><00:03:33.599><c> Landmark</c><00:03:34.159><c> with</c><00:03:34.360><c> spaces</c> create a ceremonial
- Landmark with spaces create a ceremonial Landmark with spaces that<00:03:35.000><c> can</c><00:03:35.200
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Aug 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- On November 19th, we will have an official ceremony. And you know why that's cool?
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the July 2026 minutes, and received a financial update on America 250-related funds and expenditures. Staff reported that the Community Foundation fundraising account had reached $48,000.10, reviewed completed projects and those with remaining balances, and noted that some items, including America 250 promotion costs and the Idaho Centennial Spur Ride, had not yet had charges posted. Members discussed whether certain funds were still needed for upcoming activities, including the Veterans Mustang Ride and the Liberty Bell tour.
Treasurer Ellsworth gave an update on recent service and outreach efforts, including the Veterans Mustang Boise Ride, which had been completed, and reported that the statewide service tally had reached 48,448,713 acts of service. She also outlined plans for the Liberty Bell statewide tour, which is scheduled to begin September 2 in Boise and continue through the state, including county seats, fairs, and the Veterans Day Parade, with an official return ceremony planned for November 19. Committee members asked for the detailed route and were told it would be shared after final edits; security, risk management, lodging, and transportation arrangements were also discussed.
Director Gallimore and Hannah Lory Hine provided broader updates on Idaho and national America 250 activities. They highlighted ongoing community celebrations, the Move 250 partnership, 9/11 educational and service projects, the America Commemorative Flag Project, oral history efforts, and the statewide website as a hub for events. Hine also summarized federal America 250 initiatives, including the American Field Trip student contest, America Gives volunteer hours, 9/11 Day meal-packing plans, innovation and startup programs, the state dish vote, Freedom Trucks, and other national activations. Dr. Andrew Finstewan then presented the Reading the Republic project, an open-access civics and American thought curriculum for Idaho higher education institutions, available online and in person through the State Board of Education’s Next 250 initiative. The committee ended by tentatively scheduling its next meeting for October 15 and adjourned.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Jun 24th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We had the Idaho County's flag day ceremony in Grangeville. There's the pictures from that.
Summary:
The America 250 in Idaho Advisory Council met with a quorum and approved the June 10, 2026 minutes. Staff then gave a financial update showing an unobligated balance of $42,547.53, with additional accrued revenue expected to become available in fiscal year 2027; members were also reminded that Luma would be closed July 1-2 for invoice processing.
Treasurer Ellsworth reported on the ambassador program and statewide America 250 activities, highlighting events and outreach efforts across Idaho, including service projects, festivals, and public appearances. He also updated the council on the Liberty Bell project, noting that the bell had been restored, that fundraising for the statewide tour was ongoing, and that the bell’s route would include county seats and other communities; a request was made on the record for the bell to pass through Nampa. He also said the bell’s transport and liability arrangements had been reviewed with risk management and that state employees could volunteer to drive it.
Secretary McGrane gave a broader planning update for the July 4 Capitol celebration, saying preparations were largely complete and that the event would proceed outdoors if possible, with an indoor backup at Treefort Music Hall and a rescheduling option if needed. He described Capitol decorations, media promotion, volunteer recruitment, and coordination with Idaho Public Television, the governor’s office, and event partners. He also highlighted the national recognition of Idaho’s July 4 event, the Idaho State Pavilion in Washington, D.C., the Move 250 initiative, the restored Liberty Bell’s statewide tour, and other upcoming America 250-related events, including a July 8 statewide reading of the Declaration of Independence. The council then discussed scheduling its next meeting for July 14, tentatively, and members confirmed who would attend the July 4 celebration before adjourning.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Jun 21st, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- On June 12th, there’s a swearing-in ceremony at the Bunker Hill Monument.
Summary:
The Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution met without a quorum, so the gathering remained unofficial and no minutes were approved or formal votes taken. Chair Senator Paul Mark conducted roll call, then moved to updates and presentations from House co-chair Representative Sean Garballey, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Director Sheila Green, and Revolution 250’s Jonathan Lane.
Representative Garballey highlighted the recent Patriots’ Day and Lexington-Concord commemorations, calling them highly successful, and noted that the House’s supplemental budget included $15 million for 250th anniversary events. Director Green gave a broad Massachusetts 250 update, emphasizing the large turnout for April commemorations, upcoming events including Fall River, Bunker Hill, Flag Day, Charlestown’s parade, Gloucester’s reenactment, and Newburyport’s parade, plus ongoing initiatives such as Museums 250, Lunch and Learns, grant programs, podcasts, and partnerships with sports teams, museums, and state agencies. She also reported 131 applications for FY26 grants totaling $7.5 million, with $2 million available for awards.
Jonathan Lane described Revolution 250’s work supporting local commemorations across the Commonwealth, including Chelsea Creek, Monotomy, Hingham, Pittsfield, Plymouth, and other communities, and praised local legislators’ involvement. He previewed major upcoming Bunker Hill and Charlestown events, the Gloucester reenactment, the 250th Revolution 250 podcast episode featuring Rick Atkinson, Knox Trail programming, and the start of Massachusetts 250 events in 2026. The meeting ended with thanks to the presenters and a note that the commission would likely reconvene after July 4.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
01/14/2026 - 31st Annual Indian Nations & Tribes Legislative Day
Transcript Highlights:
- to stand strong to protect tribal sovereignty and to preserve our languages and traditions, our ceremonies
Summary:
The joint protocol session for the 31st Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day opened with a blessing, presentation of the colors, the national anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen welcomed tribal leaders and emphasized the importance of government-to-government collaboration, tribal sovereignty, and continued partnership on issues affecting Arizona.
The main address was delivered by Fort Mojave Indian Tribe Chairman Timothy Williams, who focused on water, sovereignty, economic development, and border issues. He warned that Colorado River negotiations and the expiration of interim guidelines require tribes to be included in any future water-management framework, noting that Arizona tribes hold senior federally recognized water rights. He also highlighted tribal economic enterprises, schools, jobs, and public services funded by tribal revenue, and urged the Legislature to consult tribes on any water agreement.
Tohono O'odham Nation Chairman Verlin Jose spoke about the Nation’s size, its role as a major employer, and the need for unity in the face of federal policy changes and cuts. He stressed border security on tribal lands, saying the Nation has spent millions annually on border-related efforts and has seen success through cooperative agreements without a fixed wall. He also emphasized water conservation, the importance of the Colorado River and CAP, and the economic benefits of tribal gaming, which he said has contributed billions to Arizona’s state and local governments while supporting tribal infrastructure and services. The session concluded with an introduction for a poetry reading by Dr. Laura Tohi of the Navajo Nation; no votes or legislative actions were taken.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Education Policy Committee Apr 16th, 2025
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- They can participate in the graduation ceremonies, but they go ahead and start their college career,
Committee:
House Education Policy
TX