Delaware General Assembly


CHAPTER 351 - STATE OF DELAWARE - EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS the Congress of the United States adopted Public Resolution No. 67, which was approved May 3, 1940, and provides in part:

"That the third Sunday in May each year be, and hereby is, set aside as Citizenship Day and that the President of the United States is hereby authorized and requested to issue annually a proclamation setting aside that day as a public occasion for the recognition of all who, by coming of age or naturalization, have attained the status of citizenship, and the day shall be designated as

`I Am An American Day'.

"That the civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns be, and they are hereby, urged to make plans for the proper observance of this day, and for the full instruction of future citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the States and localities in which they reside".

AND WHEREAS, in this year of total war, "I Am An American Day" will climax Victory Volunteer Week, during which time citizens in every walk of life will rededicate themselves to all out support of our brave fighting forces to the end that justice may prevail on earth; civilization may be preserved; the days of conflict may be shortened; freedom and happiness returned to us; and peace restored to the world. In this rededication of all of us on the home front, those of high estate have equal obligations but far greater opportunity for service because of their influence and position.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Walter W. Bacon, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby designate Sunday, May 16, 1943, as

I AM AN AMERICAN DAY

and urge that the day be set aside as a public occasion for recognition of all of our citizens who have reached their majority or who have been naturalized during the past year and I request that all Federal, State, and Local authorities; patriotic, civic and educational associations, take part in exercises designed to assist our citizens, both native born and naturalized, to understand more fully the duties of citizenship and its special responsibilities in a nation at war.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the said State to be hereunto affixed, at Dover, this sixteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and forty-three and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and sixty-seventh.

(GREAT SEAL)

By the Governor:

WALTER W. BACON

WILLIAM J. STOREY, Secretary of State.