SR 134: Relative to Afghan Independence Day.

WHEREAS, August 19 is recognized by Afghans throughout California and around the world as Afghan Independence Day; and

WHEREAS, In 1919, following the Third Anglo-Afghan War and the Treaty of Rawalpindi, Afghanistan secured control over its foreign affairs from Great Britain, affirming its status as a free and independent nation; and

WHEREAS, Afghanistan’s struggle for independence followed decades of resistance to British intervention, including three Anglo-Afghan wars, and during the First Anglo-Afghan War, British imperial forces suffered one of their worst military disasters of the 19th century, while the Third Anglo-Afghan War marked a defining moment in Afghanistan’s pursuit of full independence; and

WHEREAS, Afghan Independence Day honors the Afghan people’s enduring commitment to sovereignty, self-determination, and the preservation of their national identity; and

WHEREAS, Ahmad Shah Durrani, widely recognized as the founder of modern Afghanistan, established the Durrani Empire in 1747 and helped unite the region’s diverse peoples under an independent Afghan state; and

WHEREAS, Situated at the crossroads of Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, Afghanistan has for thousands of years served as a vital center of civilization, commerce, and cultural exchange along the historic Silk Road, connecting people, ideas, languages, and traditions across continents; and

WHEREAS, Afghanistan is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited regions and is home to the ancient civilizations of Bactria and Gandhara, whose contributions to philosophy, art, architecture, trade, and scholarship helped shape the development of Asia and the broader world; and

WHEREAS, Afghanistan’s rich intellectual and spiritual heritage is associated with some of history’s most influential thinkers, poets, and traditions, including Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi, whose poetry continues to inspire millions through its timeless messages of love, compassion, and humanity, and Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster, whose teachings profoundly influenced religious and ethical thought across civilizations; and

WHEREAS, Afghanistan’s cultural legacy includes internationally recognized treasures such as the Bamiyan Valley, ancient cities, archaeological sites, and centuries of artistic and literary achievement that continue to inspire people around the world; and

WHEREAS, Throughout history, the Afghan people have demonstrated remarkable resilience, preserving their languages, customs, and cultural heritage through periods of both prosperity and hardship; and

WHEREAS, The Senate recognizes the extraordinary courage, resilience, and perseverance of Afghan women and girls, who continue to advocate for education, equality, dignity, and fundamental human rights despite extraordinary oppression, and acknowledges that the promise of a truly free Afghanistan cannot be fully realized until its women and girls are free; and

WHEREAS, Many Afghan Americans living in California arrived after fleeing war, persecution, and humanitarian crises, bringing with them an enduring commitment to freedom, democracy, education, entrepreneurship, public service, and community leadership; and

WHEREAS, Afghan Independence Day provides an opportunity to celebrate Afghanistan’s rich history, recognize the resilience and achievements of the Afghan people, honor the contributions of Afghan Americans, and foster greater appreciation for the nation’s enduring cultural legacy; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, That the Senate recognizes August 19, 2026, as Afghan Independence Day and joins Afghan communities throughout California in celebrating their history, heritage, resilience, culture, and lasting contributions to the Golden State; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate honors the enduring spirit of the Afghan people and recognizes that the ideals of independence, liberty, and self-determination are strengthened when every person, including women and girls, can live in freedom, dignity, and equality; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate encourages all Californians to learn more about Afghanistan’s history, the significance of Afghan Independence Day, and the rich traditions, achievements, and contributions of Afghan Americans; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.