LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 252
Introduced by Hansen, B., 16.
WHEREAS, on April 18, 1921, the Legislature passed a resolution naming
John G. Neihardt as the state poet laureate and held the official notification
ceremony on June 18, 1921; and
WHEREAS, John was the first poet laureate in Nebraska, and the first in
the United States to receive the designation through legislative action; and
WHEREAS, the Legislature noted that John "inspired in Americans that love
of the land and its heroes whereby great national traditions are built and
perpetuated"; and
WHEREAS, John authored many highly regarded books, poems, and other
writings that are widely read today, including, but not limited to, Black Elk
Speaks and A Cycle of the West; and
WHEREAS, embracing the literary arts within the state is essential for
celebrating our history and culture; and
WHEREAS, poetic expression is an honored literary tradition that engages
the community with feelings, thoughts, and perspectives through artistic
narratives that embrace the human condition; and
WHEREAS, this year marks one hundred years since John G. Neihardt was
named poet laureate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, FIRST SESSION:
1. That the Legislature recognizes June 18, 2021, as John G. Neihardt Day.
2. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the John G. Neihardt State
Historic Site in Bancroft.
