STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

Office of the Governor

A Proclamation

By

Governor Kirk Fordice

Whereas, the State of Mississippi is richly blessed in natural beauty and superb resources, reflecting God’s miracle of creation; and

Whereas, the writings of the Founding Fathers of this nation, as well as the writings and speeches of those who have led our nation in times of war and of peace, clearly demonstrate a consistent and fervent belief in God and in the blessings that accrue from Christian beliefs and ideals; and

Whereas, the Declaration of Independence declares: “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,” and the Declaration of Independence closes: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor”; and

Whereas, it has been noted that in his farewell address, George Washington advised: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” And, John Quincy Adams observed, “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: It connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity” (Letter from Plymouth Rock, September 1990); and

Whereas, it is fitting that we recognize the supreme importance our Founding Fathers placed upon Christianity, as well as the central role this ancient religion has played in the history of our nation and world; and

Whereas, the bible tells us, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (II Chronicles 7:14):

Now, therefore, I, Kirk Fordice, Governor of the State of Mississippi, hereby proclaim the week of Thanksgiving, November 19 through November 25, 1995, AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK in the State of Mississippi and encourage our citizens to partake and participate in this time of joy with appropriate celebrations, ceremonies, and prayer. May God bless this state, and may God bless the United States of America.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi to be affixed.

DONE in the City of Jackson, November 16, 1995, in the two hundred and twentieth year of the United States of America.

 KIRK FORDICE

 GOVERNOR