STATE OF IOWA

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

In The Name and By The Authority of The State of Iowa

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, FIRST INTRODUCED IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON AUGUST 11, 1992, AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK IS PROCLAIMED BY GOVERNORS OF STATES AND MAYORS OF CITIES, TOWNS, AND VILLAGES. THIS YEAR MARKS THE 17^TH ANNUAL NATIONWIDE OBSERVANCE; AND

WHEREAS, THE INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY UPON AMERICAN COMMUNITIES IS EVIDENT BY THEIR MANY CHURCHES AND CHRISTIAN CHARITIES, MINISTRIES, MISSIONS, AND SCHOOLS, CHERISHED CHRISTMAS, EASTER, AND THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY SEASONS; AND A WILLINGNESS TO LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF; AND

WHEREAS, IN THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY VS. UNITED STATES (FEBRUARY 29, 1982, DECIDED) DAVID J. BREWER, ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES STATED, “THESE, AND MANY OTHER MATTERS WHICH MIGHT BE NOTICED, ADD A VOLUME OF UNOFFICIAL DECLARATIONS TO THE MASS OF ORGANIC UTTERANCES THAT THIS IS A CHRISTIAN NATION”; AND

WHEREAS, CHURCHES NATIONWIDE ARE ENCOURAGED TO CELEBRATE AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK WITH RELEVANT SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS, SERMONS, YOUTH PROGRAMS, PATRIOTIC SONG SERVICES AND PRAYER MEETINGS; AND

WHEREAS, COMMEMORATING AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE CHOOSING TO PARTICIPATE TO THANK GOD FOR HIS “BLESSINGS OF LIBERTY”, TO ASK HIS HELP TO ‘INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY’”, AND TO RECOGNIZE OUR NATIONAL NEED AND “UNALIENABLE RIGHTS”, IN REAFFIRMING OUR “RELIANCE OF THE PROTECTION OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE” FOR KEEPING OUR FAMILIES SECURE, COMMUNITIES SAFE AND AMERICA A “FREE AND INDEPENDENT” “ONE NATION UNDER GOD,”:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHESTER J. CULVER, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF IOWA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM NOVEMBER 23 – 29, 2008, AS

AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

IN IOWA, I INVITE ALL CITIZENS TO ACKNOWLEDGE, APPRECIATE, AND CELEBRATE, EACH IN THEIR OWN WAY, THE CHRISTIAN HERITAGE OF THIS GREAT NATION WHERE OUR MOTTO IS IN GOD WE TRUST.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED.

DONE AT DES MOINES, IOWA THIS 16^TH DAY OF OCTOBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND EIGHT.

CHESTER J. CULVER

GOVERNOR OF IOWA

ATTEST:

MICHAEL A. MAURO

SECRETARY OF STATE