04-R 271

2004 -- H 8555

Enacted 05/19/04

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING "NEIGHBOR DAY" ON MAY 23, 2004 IN THE STATE OF RHODE

ISLAND AND MEMORIALIZING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT

SIMILAR LEGISLATION THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES

Introduced By: Representatives Lewiss, Kennedy, McHugh, Shanley, and Carter

Date Introduced: May 19, 2004

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Law section 25-2-41 designates the Sunday prior to

Memorial Day weekend, as "Neighbor Day"; and

     WHEREAS, The noble purpose of this special day is to bring all neighbors together –

past, present and future. It is a day to go out of your way to get in touch with your neighbors, to

ring doorbells and say "hello"; and

     WHEREAS, This year's "Neighbor Day" also serves as a special tribute to the many

members of the United States military, who have selflessly sacrificed themselves to defend our

freedom; and

     WHEREAS, In 1993, Westerly became the first town in the Ocean State to declare the

Sunday before Memorial Day as "Neighbor Day" and the state of Rhode Island swiftly followed

its splendid example; and

     WHEREAS, It is important that all people learn that one of the most important moral

obligations we share is to "Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself." National and international

recognition of this special day will make its ideals a reality for all; and

     WHEREAS, While respect and justice for all is often our aspiration, it will take a strong

personal commitment, by each and every citizen in the United States, in order to actualize this

dream; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby celebrates "Neighbor Day" on May 23, 2004 in the state of Rhode

Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby memorializes the United States

Congress to enact similar legislation throughout the United States; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives respectfully requests the Secretary of

State to list this statutory day of observance on the Rhode Island Calendar; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Westerly Town Council, the United

Nations, and the Rhode Island Delegation to the United States Congress.

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LC03449

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