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The EAIF has asked Governor Gray Davis to proclaim October of 2002 as “European American Heritage Month” in California. The Governor’s office has not yet responded, but updates will be posted to the EAIF website as events unfold. EAIF President McNallen sees no reason for Governor Davis to reject the request. “To make things easier for the Governor’s writers, I sent suggested text for the proclamation based on a document he recently signed declaring a week in honor of Filipino Americans.” Text of the request and proposed wording are reproduced below. Dear Governor Davis: We respectfully urge you to issue a proclamation declaring October 2002 as European American Heritage Month. October is a very special month for European Americans. Included within this span of thirty-one days are Leif Erickson Day, Columbus Day, part of Oktoberfest, and the Celtic New Year (All Hallows Eve). No month could be better for the honoring of European heritage. Indeed, many European Americans have, on their own initiative, been celebrating the diverse cultures of Europe during October. As you may recall, the California legislature declared October of 1998 to be European American Heritage Month (ACR 91, Assemblyman Lou Papan), so there is precedence for this action. The EAIF is dedicated to promoting pride in our heritage in an entirely positive and constructive way. By your proclamation, you can help us do that. I have enclosed a suggested proclamation in a standard format for your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Stephen A. McNallen Text of Proposed Proclamation WHEREAS, European Americans have had a profound impact on California’s history, values, and culture; and WHEREAS, in a state that derives so much of its strength from its diversity, European Americans are a vital part of the success of the Golden State; and WHEREAS, European Americans make up one of the largest groups in the United States today; and WHEREAS, men and women of European heritage have truly enriched our nation through their work in many diverse fields, in service in the Armed Forces, their contributions of skills and expertise as artists, explorers, scientists, engineers, teachers, lawyers, nurses, doctors, farmers, and miners, and their participation in public office, civic affairs and community life; and WHEREAS, the European American community in many parts of the State of California, in an effort to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and to instill in the new generation of European Americans a proud cultural identity, have designated October, 2002 as European American Heritage Month;
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed on this _____ day of _____________ 2002.
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