MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2007 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Warren, Akins, Aldridge, Arinder, Bailey, Baker (74th), Baker (8th), Banks, Barnett, Beckett, Blackmon, Bondurant, Bounds, Broomfield, Brown, Buck, Burnett, Calhoun, Chism, Clark, Clarke, Cockerham, Coleman (29th), Coleman (65th), Compretta, Cummings, Davis, Dedeaux, Denny, Dickson, Eaton, Ellington, Ellis, Espy, Evans, Fillingane, Flaggs, Fleming, Formby, Franks, Fredericks, Frierson, Gadd, Gardner, Gibbs, Gregory, Guice, Gunn, Hamilton (109th), Hamilton (6th), Harrison, Hines, Holland, Holloway, Horne, Howell, Huddleston, Hudson, Ishee, Janus, Jennings, Johnson, Lane, Lott, Malone, Markham, Martinson, Masterson, Mayhall, Mayo, McBride, McCoy, Middleton, Miles, Mims, Moak, Montgomery, Moore, Morgan, Moss, Myers, Nicholson, Norquist, Palazzo, Parker, Patterson, Peranich, Perkins, Read, Reed, Reeves, Reynolds, Robinson (63rd), Robinson (84th), Rogers (14th), Rogers (61st), Rotenberry, Scott, Shows, Simpson, Smith (27th), Smith (39th), Smith (59th), Snowden, Staples, Stevens, Straughter, Stringer, Sullivan, Thomas, Turner, Upshaw, Vince, Walley, Ward, Watson, Weathersby, Wells-Smith, Whittington, Woods, Young, Zuber

House Concurrent Resolution 65

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2007 AS GRIEF AWARENESS WEEK IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

     WHEREAS, there are approximately 2,000,000 deaths in the United States each year that directly affect 10-12 family members, which excludes good friends and close colleagues, thus having an impact on approximately 20,000,000 people; and

     WHEREAS, natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes in addition to traumatic deaths due to war, suicides, motor vehicle fatalities and gang shootings touch countless lives and continue to have an impact long after the initial event; and

     WHEREAS, grieving is a natural and normal response to death and other losses and is a healthy way for people to process their grief; and

     WHEREAS, cultural traditions and religious institutions have historically recognized the need for community mourning rituals and individual grief expressions; and

     WHEREAS, all persons are urged to be sensitive and supportive of their families, neighbors, friends and colleagues who are adjusting to a significant loss in their lives; and

     WHEREAS, a week set aside for grief awareness will enhance solidarity with our human mortality and our common need for mourning and healing and will promote spiritual, mental, physical and emotional health; and

     WHEREAS, we urge all communities during this week to remember and support those who have experienced a significant loss in their lives, and to participate in community activities and educational events to increase their knowledge of the grief process so that neighborhoods, faith communities and workplaces can create a more supportive environment for those in grief; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to observe a worthy cause such as Grief Awareness Week because learning and observing the grieving process contributes to a more supportive and healing environment for those who are in mourning:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the first week of November 2007 as Grief Awareness Week throughout the state and encourage all Mississippians to recognize the healing power of grieving following a tragic loss or the death of a loved one.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to members of the Capitol Press Corps.