06-R 275

2006 -- H 8118

Enacted 05/17/06

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

CELEBRATING "NEIGHBOR DAY" ON MAY 21, 2006 IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND MEMORIALIZING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ENACT SIMILAR LEGISLATION THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES

Introduced By: Representatives Lewiss, Kennedy, San Bento, Shanley, and Lally

Date Introduced: May 17, 2006

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Law section 25-2-41 designates the Sunday prior to

Memorial Day weekend, as "Neighbor Day" in the State of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, The noble purpose of this special day is to bring all neighbors together –

past, present and future. It is a day to go out of your way to get in touch with your neighbors, to

ring doorbells and say "hello"; and

     WHEREAS, "Neighbor Day" also serves as a special tribute to the many troops and

veterans of the United States military, who selflessly sacrificed themselves in order to defend our

freedom; and

     WHEREAS, On May 10, 1993, Westerly became the first town in the Ocean State to

declare the Sunday before Memorial Day as "Neighbor Day," and the State of Rhode Island

swiftly followed its splendid example; and

     WHEREAS, It is important that all people learn that one of the most important moral

obligations we share is to "Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself," to help the homeless and hungry, and

all who are less fortunate. National and international recognition of this special day will make its

ideals a reality for all; and

     WHEREAS, While respect and justice for all is our aspiration, it will take a strong

personal commitment, by each and every citizen in the United States, in order to actualize this

dream to become "Ambassadors of Good Will"; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby celebrates "Neighbor Day" on May 21, 2006 in the State of Rhode

Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives hereby memorializes the United States

Congress to enact similar legislation throughout the United States; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives respectfully requests the Secretary of

State to list this statutory day of observance on the Rhode Island Calendar; and be it further

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

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Westerly Town Council, the United

Nations, and the Rhode Island Delegation to the United States Congress.

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LC03258

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