ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 10096ProclamationTrump 45 · RCeremonial

Proclamation 10096

Birthday of Founding Father Caesar Rodney

This proclamation commemorates the 292nd birthday of Founding Father Caesar Rodney, celebrating his historic ride to cast Delaware's deciding vote for independence. It also condemns the June 2020 removal of his equestrian statue in Wilmington, Delaware, frames this as part of a broader cultural conflict over American history, and announces plans for a Caesar Rodney statue in the proposed National Garden of American Heroes.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 65181

Impact dates

  1. 292nd Anniversary of Caesar Rodney's birth proclaimed as commemorative day

Key directives

  • Proclaim October 7, 2020 as 292nd Anniversary of Caesar Rodney's birth
  • Invite people to observe with appropriate ceremonies in schools, churches, and meeting places

Timeline

Immediate

  • Proclamation of October 7, 2020 as commemorative day

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Potential statue in National Garden of American Heroes (announced but not yet created)
  • 1776 Commission activities to promote patriotic education

Risks & tensions

  • Politicized framing of monument removal as 'radical purge' and 'anti-American historical revisionism'
  • Links commemoration to controversial '1619 Project' and critical race theory critiques
  • National Garden of American Heroes was announced but never established; uncertain implementation
  • 1776 Commission had limited operational lifespan and was later disbanded
Proclamation 10096: Birthday of Founding Father Caesar Rodney · Executive Orders