State of Connecticut

By Her Excellency, M. Jodi Rell, Governor: an

Official Statement

WHEREAS, this nation has been richly blessed by The Lord God Whose Divine Providence our founding fathers sought as they established these United States of America as a free and independent nation; and

WHEREAS, the Christian heritage of our nation is recognized in the writings and accomplishments of such renowned individuals as Christopher Columbus, William Bradford, George Washington, John and Abigail Adams, James Madison, Patrick Henry, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and countless others, and in the constitutions of the several sovereign states, and innumerable public documents; and

WHEREAS, the history of Christian faith and traditions of our people is reflected in countless practices of the institutions and officials of our government, such as prayer and Scripture reading preceding each and every session of Congress, from its inception until this day; and

WHEREAS, the importance of our Christian heritage to the institutions, values and vision of our nation is immeasurable, and teaching our children about the spiritual values of our historical Christian heritage will help them understand and appreciate our nation’s history; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to recognize the Pilgrims’ First Thanksgiving as a special time and reason for celebrating our families, health, love and friendship, as well as acknowledging our nation’s Christian heritage; now

THEREFORE, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, do hereby proclaim the week of November 18 – 24, 2007 as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the State of Connecticut.

M. Jodi Rell

Governor