Categories: Historical Documents

New York 2003

State of New York

Executive Chamber

Whereas, during the week of May 4-10, 2003, the Annual Christian Heritage Week observance will be celebrated in communities across our State and Nation; throughout the history of our country, Americans have invoked the tenets of their faith to sustain them in all areas of their lives; this occasion offers citizens the opportunity to join in recognizing the enduring values and religious principles upon which many of our Nation’s founders looked for guidance; and

Whereas, September 11, 2001 will always be remembered as a day that irrevocably changed the face of our State and Nation and that brought profound realization of the preciousness of life; as our Nation’s armed forces serve to preserve and protect the values upon it is built, we all are compelled to reflect upon the benefits of freedom and democracy, and those priorities we hold highest—family, friends and the communities from which we derive our strength; and

Whereas, as citizens who have historically shared a broad consensus of religiously inspired values and an enduring belief in religious freedom, this observance is testimony to an increased acknowledgement of the long and venerable role that Christianity has played in the history of our country; it also underscores the well-documented foundational influence that Christian philosophy and ideals have had on many great men and women whose named are emblazoned upon the illustrious pages of American history; and

Whereas, inspired by the fervent words of many of our national leaders and other prominent individuals who have helped advance the progress and growth of our country, the observance of Christian Heritage Week focuses on youth-oriented activities to increase awareness and appreciation among young people for the strong historical foundations and religious ideals upon which our Nation was founded; and

Whereas, it is fitting that the Eighth Annual Christian Heritage Week is celebrated, providing a means by which many of our citizens can give expression to their religious faith and heritage;

Now, Therefore, I, George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby recognize May 4-10, 2003 as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the Empire State.

George E. Pataki

Governor

West Milford, West Virginia 2003

Mayoral Proclamation

WHEREAS, Governor Bob Wise has once again proclaimed the week of Thanksgiving as Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia, honoring a twelve year tradition, beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton in 1992 thru 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 thru 2000; and,

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia has become an annual local and statewide celebration, with West Virginia being the second state in American history to have a governor officially proclaim such an event; and,

WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity in our communities is seen by many churches and Christian schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love thy neighbor as thyself; and,

WHEREAS, the state song, West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contains the lyrics, “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781)

NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 23-29, 2003, is hereby proclaimed as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the Town of West Milford, West Virginia and I invite all citizens to join in this local celebration each in their own way.

by: Roy Murphy

date: 10-21-03

Wyoming 2003

GOVERNOR’S PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the preamble to the Constitution of the State of Wyoming states: “We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and desiring to secure them to ourselves and perpetuate them to our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution.”

WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence of the United States states: “We, hold these truths to be self-evident. That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

WHEREAS, on June 21, 1776, John Adams wrote, “Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is religion and morality alone, which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand.”

WHEREAS, George Washington enunciated, “Animated alone by the pure spirit of Christianity, and conducting ourselves as the faithful subjects of our free government, we may enjoy temporal and spiritual felicity.”

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote, “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed the conviction that these liberties are the gift of God.”

WHEREAS, James Madison, father of the U.S. Constitution, advocated “the diffusion of the light of Christianity in our nation” in his Memorial and Remonstrance.

WHEREAS, Patrick Henry quoted Proverbs 14:34 for our nation: “Righteousness alone can exalt a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.”

WHEREAS, George Mason in his Virginia Declaration of Rights, forerunner to our Bill of Rights, affirmed, “That it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each other.”

WHEREAS, these, and many other truly great men and women of America, giants in the structuring of American history, were Christian statesmen of caliber and integrity who did not hesitate to express their faith.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DAVE, FREUDENTHAL, Governor of the State of Wyoming, do hereby proclaim November 23-29, 2003 to be “CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK” in Wyoming, and urge all citizens to give special thanks for their own personal faith.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Executive Seal of the Governor of Wyoming to be affixed this 21st day of August, 2003.

Dave Freudenthal

Governor

Point Pleasant, West Virginia 2003

Mayoral Proclamation

WHEREAS, Governor Bob Wise has once again proclaimed the week of Thanksgiving as Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia, honoring a twelve year tradition, beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton in 1992 thru 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 thru 2000; and,

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia has become an annual local and statewide celebration, with West Virginia being the second state in American history to have a governor officially proclaim such an event; and,

WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity in our communities is seen by many churches and Christian schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love thy neighbor as thyself; and,

WHEREAS, the state song, West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contains the lyrics, “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781.)

NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 23-29, 2003, is hereby proclaimed as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the

City of Point Pleasant, West Virginia

and I invite all citizens to join in this local celebration each in their own way.

by: James H. Wilson

date: 11-18-2003

New Cumberland, West Virginia 2003

Mayoral Proclamation

WHEREAS, Governor Bob Wise has once again proclaimed the week of Thanksgiving as Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia, honoring a twelve year tradition, beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton in 1992 thru 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 thru 2000; and,

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia has become an annual local and statewide celebration, with West Virginia being the second state in American history to have a governor officially proclaim such an event; and,

WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity in our communities is seen by many churches and Christian schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love thy neighbor as thyself; and,

WHEREAS, the state song, West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contains the lyrics, “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781)

NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 23-29, 2003, is hereby proclaimed as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the

City of New Cumberland, West Virginia

and I invite all citizens to join in this local celebration each in their own way.

by: Arthur L. Watson

            (Mayor)

date: November 3, 2003

Meadow Bridge, West Virginia 2003

Mayoral Proclamation

WHEREAS, Governor Bob Wise has once again proclaimed the week of Thanksgiving as Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia, honoring a twelve year tradition, beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton in 1992 thru 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 thru 2000; and,

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia has become an annual local and statewide celebration, with West Virginia being the second state in American history to have a governor officially proclaim such an event; and,

WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity in our communities is seen by many churches and Christian schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love thy neighbor as thyself; and,

WHEREAS, the state song, West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contains the lyrics, “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781)

NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 23-29, 2003, is hereby proclaimed as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the

Town of Meadow Bridge, West Virginia

and I invite all citizens to join in this local celebration each in their own way.

by: David J. Judy

date: 10-22-03

Hamlin, West Virginia 2003

Mayoral Proclamation

 WHEREAS, Governor Bob Wise has once again proclaimed the week of Thanksgiving as Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia, honoring a twelve year tradition, beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton in 1992 thru 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 thru 2000; and,

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia has become an annual local and statewide celebration, with West Virginia being the second state in American history to have a governor officially proclaim such an event; and,

WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity in our communities is seen by many churches and Christian schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love thy neighbor as thyself; and,

WHEREAS, the state song, West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contains the lyrics, “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781)

NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 23-29, 2003, is hereby proclaimed as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the Town of Hamlin, West Virginia and I invite all citizens to join in this local celebration each in their own way.

by: Brian Barrett

date: 10/27/03

Durbin, West Virginia 2003

Mayoral Proclamation

 WHEREAS, Governor Bob Wise has once again proclaimed the week of Thanksgiving as Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia, honoring a twelve year tradition, beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton from 1992 thru 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 thru 2000; and,

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia has become an annual local and statewide celebration, with West Virginia being the second state in American history to have a governor officially proclaim such an event; and,

WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity in our communities is seen by many churches and Christian schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love thy neighbor as thyself; and,

WHEREAS, the state song, West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contains the lyrics, “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781.)

NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 23-29, 2003, is hereby proclaimed as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the Town of Durbin, West Virginia and I invite all citizens to join in this local celebration each in their own way.

 by: Oma Varner (Mayor)

date: 10/13/03

Coalton, West Virginia 2003

Mayoral Proclamation

 WHEREAS, Governor Bob Wise has once again proclaimed the week of Thanksgiving as Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia, honoring a twelve year tradition, beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton in 1992 thru 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 thru 2000; and,

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia has become an annual local and statewide celebration, with West Virginia being the second state in American history to have a governor officially proclaim such an event; and,

WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity in our communities is seen by many churches and Christian schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love thy neighbor as thyself; and,

WHEREAS, the state song, West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contains the lyrics, “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781.)

NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 23-29, 2003, is hereby proclaimed as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the Town of Coalton, West Virginia and I invite all citizens to join in this local celebration each in their own way.

by: James Rosse

 date: 10-30-03

Chapmanville, West Virginia 2003

Mayoral Proclamation

 WHEREAS, Governor Bob Wise has once again proclaimed the week of Thanksgiving as Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia, honoring a twelve year tradition, beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton in 1992 thru 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 thru 2000; and,

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia has become an annual local and statewide celebration, with West Virginia being the second state in American history to have a governor officially proclaim such an event; and,

WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity in our communities is seen by many churches and Christian schools; cherished Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love thy neighbor as thyself; and,

WHEREAS, the state song, West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contains the lyrics, “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and,

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” (Notes on the State of Virginia, 1781)

NOW, THEREFORE, Let it be Known that November 22-29, 2003, is hereby proclaimed as:

Christian Heritage Week

in the Town of Chapmanville, West Virginia and I invite all citizens to join in this local celebration each in their own way.

by: Jason J. Freeman

date: 10-27-03