CHAPTER 528
STATE OF DELAWARE
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed to all the world that this new nation conceived in the Spirit of Freedom under God, guaranteed to all men their inherent right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and
Whereas, Delaware patriots played important roles in the adaption of this brilliant and inspiring document which helped to pave the way for the establishment of our nation in 1787 with Delaware as its first state; and
Whereas, this Declaration and the great country to which it gave birth stand as a source of hope and promise for Americans and all the peoples of the world; and
Whereas, on this July 4th, patriotic Americans everywhere are being asked to help revive an old form of celebrating the anniversary of American Independence with the ringing of bells--from churches, from government buildings, from commercial buildings--recalling the joyous moments that created news of this great history-making event 192 years ago;
Now, therefore, I, Charles L. Terry, Jr., Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby proclaim that Thursday, July 4, 1968, shall be observed in this state as
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Further, I order that the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Delaware shall be properly displayed from all public buildings on this day, and I urge that all our citizens join in this display of our national and state colors in recognition of the significance of this great event in our history.
Further, I request that all churches, government buildings and other edifices possessing bells arrange for the ringing of these bells for five minutes beginning at noon on this Independence Day so that everyone in this great nation may be made fully aware of the historic significance of this occasion. I also request that all motorists drive with their headlights on from 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 3rd, through Sunday, July 7th, using low beams during the daylight hours, to forcefully remind us of the mounting highway accidents leading to far too many fatalities.
It is my fervent hope that, while our citizens are enjoying this holiday, they will pause to give thanks to Almighty God for the blessings we enjoy as citizens of this Great Republic.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, Charles L. Terry, Jr., Governor of the State of Delaware, have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the said State to be hereunto affixed at Dover this 27th day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the one hundred and ninety-second.
(GREAT SEAL)
CHARLES L. TERRY, JR., Governor
Attest: ELISHA C. DUKES, Secretary of State