U.S. Sen. John Curtis, a Republican from Utah, is undertaking a nine-day, 250-mile walk across Utah to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a journey that is scheduled to conclude on the Fourth of July in his hometown of Provo.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA, Curtis began the trek near Utah’s northern border and is averaging about 30 miles of walking each day.
The continuous 250-mile route started on Friday, June 26, and is set to end on Saturday, July 4.
The initiative is intended to recognize the nation’s semiquincentennial while drawing attention to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Curtis also plans to highlight the values demonstrated by Utah’s pioneer settlers throughout the journey.
The senator’s route begins near Bear Lake in Dingle, Idaho, the birthplace of his mother. The walk will conclude when Curtis arrives at the Stadium of Fire celebration at Brigham Young University’s LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, where he lives and previously served as mayor.
Throughout the journey, Curtis is documenting the experience through a series of daily video blogs and other media content. The materials are designed to highlight what the senator describes as distinctly American values while also showcasing locations and experiences encountered during the walk.
According to the announcement, the themes featured during the journey include liberty, magnanimity, prudence and fortitude, alongside reflections on the significance of the nation’s founding principles.
The walk coincides with nationwide observances leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Curtis’ effort focuses on connecting the milestone with Utah communities visited along the route and commemorating the country’s founding through a cross-state journey.
By averaging approximately 30 miles each day, the senator is expected to complete the full route over the planned nine-day schedule before arriving in Provo for the Independence Day celebration.