PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the week of Thanksgiving marks the twenty-third consecutive Christian Heritage Week in West Virginia observance; thus continuing a tradition of annual proclamations beginning with Governor Gaston Caperton in 1992 through 1996 and continued by Governor Cecil Underwood from 1997 to 2000, Governor Bob Wise from 2001 through 2004, Governor Joe Manchin from 2005 through 2010, and Governor Earl Ray Tomblin in 2011 through 2014; and

WHEREAS, for many West Virginians, public school days once began with a daily Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and Bible readings; and

WHEREAS, local church are asked to participated with relevant Sunday School lessons, sermons, patriotic song services, youth programs, and prayer meetings.

WHEREAS, the State songs, the West Virginia Hills and West Virginia, My Home Sweet Home, contain the lyrics, “With their summits bathed in glory, like our Prince Immanuel’s land!” and “There I work, and I play, and I worship Sunday”; and

WHEREAS, the influence of Christianity in West Virginia is evident by her many churches and Christian entities, ministries, missions, and schools; cherished Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving holiday seasons; and a willingness of Mountaineers to love they neighbor as thyself.

NOW, THEREFORE, I William A. “Bill” O’Brien, Mayor of the City of Beckley, do hereby proclaim November 23-29, 2014 as

CHRISTIAN HERITAGE WEEK

in the City of Beckley and invite all citizens to join in this local event each in their own way.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the City of Beckley to be affixed this 23^rd day of November, 2014.

William A. “Bill” O’Brien

MAYOR

CITY OF BECKLEY