STATE OF MAINE

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, John Adams wrote, “The general principles on which the fathers achieve independence were…the general principles of Christianity.” (Letter to Thomas Jefferson, June 28, 1813.); and

WHEREAS, Noah Webster taught, “The religion which has introduced civil liberty is the religion of Christ and His Apostles…This is genuine Christianity and to this we owe our free constitutions of government.” (History of the United States, 1832, public school textbook.); and

WHEREAS, Thomas Jefferson warned, “And 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.); and

WHEREAS, James Madison proclaimed, “And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious as well as civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land.” (Presidential Proclamation, 1815.); and

WHEREAS, Benjamin Rush encouraged, “Let the children…be carefully instructed in the principles and obligations of the Christian religion. This is the most essential part of education.” (A Plan for Free Schools, 1787.); and

WHEREAS, George Washington exhorted, “We ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation which disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained.” (“Inaugural Address,” April 30, 1789.); 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 on 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, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim November 29-26, 2011 as CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this Nineteenth day of September Two-Thousand Eleven.

Paul R. LePage

Governor

Charles E. Summers, Jr.

Secretary of State

TRUE ATTESTED COPY