2019 -- S 0806

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LC002457

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2019

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL, 2019, TO BE "NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN

HERITAGE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Paolino, Crowley, Pearson, Ruggerio, and Lombardi

     Date Introduced: April 24, 2019

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, For more than a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable

contributions to virtually every aspect of American life and society, including medicine, law,

business, education, technology, government, military service, and culture; and

     WHEREAS, Since migrating to the United States, men and women of Arab descent have

shared their rich culture and traditions with their neighbors and friends, while also setting fine

examples of model citizenry and public service; and

     WHEREAS, Arab Americans brought with them their resilient family values, strong

work ethic, dedication to education, and a diversity in faith and creed that have added strength to

our great democracy; and

     WHEREAS, Arab Americans have also enriched our society by sharing in the

entrepreneurial American spirit that has made our nation free and prosperous; and

     WHEREAS, The history of Arab Americans in the United States remains neglected or

defaced by misconceptions, bigotry, and anti-Arab hate in the forms of crimes and speech; and

     WHEREAS, Arab Americans join all Americans in the desire to see a peaceful and

diverse society, where every individual is treated equally and feels safe; and

     WHEREAS, The incredible heritage and contributions made by Arab Americans have

helped us build a better nation; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby joyously celebrates the numerous important contributions Arab Americans have made to

our great nation and hereby declares the Month of April, 2019, to be "National Arab American

Heritage Month" in the State of Rhode Island. We moreover encourage all Rhode Island citizens

to join in celebration of this special observance; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable Thomas Lazieh, Rhode Island

National Arab American Heritage Representative.

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