Rep. McBride Recognizes Separation Day on House Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Sarah McBride (D-DE) took to the floor of the United States House of Representatives to commemorate the 249th anniversary of Delaware's longest running tradition: Separation Day. The occasion marks Delaware's historic declaration of independence from both Pennsylvania and the British Crown in 1776-a pivotal moment in the state's and the nation's history.

"I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of Delaware from the tyrannical yoke of Pennsylvania and the British Crown," said Rep. McBride.

Each year, Delawareans gather in Old New Castle-one of the most historic towns in the country-to celebrate Separation Day with a community parade, local food vendors, live music, and fireworks over the Delaware River.

But McBride emphasized that Separation Day is more than a celebration of the past-it's a call to civic action.

"Separation Day isn't just about the past," McBride said. "It is a reminder that democracy isn't something we inherit-it's something we practice. Because that bold act in 1776 wasn't made by kings or generals. It was made by ordinary people who believed that a better future was worth the risk.

"And they understood something we should all remember to this day:

"There are no kings in a democracy."

Watch the full floor speech here. Read the full transcript below.

"Mr. Speaker,

"I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of the liberation of Delaware from the tyrannical yolk of Pennsylvania and the British Crown.

"In June of 1776, Delawareans laid the groundwork for the single longest running tradition in our state's history: Separation Day.

"Separation Day serves as a reminder of the fierce commitment at the heart of the greatest state in The Union. It marks the moment when Delaware said:

"We can govern ourselves. We can shape our own future.

"That commitment-to dignity, to democracy, to self-determination-is the essence of who we are as Delawareans.

"Each June, my neighbors gather in Old New Castle, one of the most historic towns in America, to honor our legacy with joy and pride.

"But Separation Day isn't just about the past. It is a reminder that democracy isn't something we inherit-it's something we practice. Because that bold act in 1776 wasn't made by kings or generals. It was made by ordinary people who believed that a better future was worth the risk.

"And they understood something we should all remember to this day:

"There are no kings in a democracy.

"So this year, as we celebrate our independence from one empire and one governor across the state line, let us also reject any attempt to crown a new monarch-whether with a golden crown or a gilded oval office.

"Because in this country, no one is above the law.

"Happy Separation Day, Delaware."

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