WHEREAS, Throughout the history of the Ocean State, the independently minded people of Rhode Island have recognized the value of a quality education to their lives and have demanded the very best of our teachers. These extraordinary professionals have always responded by inspiring generations of children to both appreciate and love the lifelong quest for knowledge; and

WHEREAS, Teachers are the artists who mold the minds and spirits of our children by revealing to them the wonders of this world. What could be more fulfilling than to know that you are responsible for planting the seed of knowledge in a young child's mind and watching that seed blossom before your eyes?; and

WHEREAS, Very often the wisdom and dedication that our teachers bring to their profession is carried over into the realm of public service when they retire. These splendid individuals bring a "a lifetime of experience and leadership to serve all generations," and often are only too pleased and proud to continue putting that knowledge to the service of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby acknowledges the debt that we all owe to the retired teachers of this state by proclaiming April 3, 1996 as RETIRED TEACHERS DAY IN RHODE ISLAND. This House of Representatives further wishes that all of the citizens of the Ocean State do all that they can to recognize the myriad contributions that our retired teachers have made to ourselves, our children, our community and our state; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the President of the Rhode Island Teachers Association.