Senate Concurrent Resolution 566

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE LAST WEEKEND IN OCTOBER 2023 AS "HONOR YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKEND IN MISSISSIPPI" TO BRING ATTENTION TO RURAL COMMUNITIES AS THE CULTURAL CENTER OF OUR STATE AND TO MEMORIALIZE THE U.S. CONGRESS TO DESIGNATE A "NATIONAL HOMETOWN WEEKEND".

WHEREAS, the strength of America lies in the millions of Hometowns, both large and small, that make up our great nation; and

WHEREAS, across the State of Mississippi, Hometowns are the fabric that weave us all together and imbue in us the qualities that make us all Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, many Mississippians were born and raised in a Hometown that possesses unique qualities and characteristics that shape the soul and spirit of all those who call it home; and

WHEREAS, the common experiences and bonds that we shared as we grew up in our Hometowns will forever be a part of us regardless of what corner of the globe we may inhabit; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate that we recognize the countless contributions that our Hometowns have made to our lives and the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, every citizen, business, cultural center, educational institution, veteran, civic and fraternal club in each Hometown should have the opportunity to reflect on the common bonds and values that unite all Mississippians and outweigh whatever differences we might have; and

WHEREAS, America celebrates "Mothers Day" and "Fathers Day" on a designated Sunday each year and a similar designation of a "Hometown Weekend" would encourage communities to plan homecomings and allow families to schedule trips to their home; and

WHEREAS, in the words of legendary Mississippian Marty Stuart: "Although it feels like we have honorary days for seemingly everything in America, there is no national tradition for honoring our Hometowns. It's a void that needs to be filled. Our Hometowns are where we bond as neighbors, friends, and Americans. They are what bring us together."

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate the last weekend in October 2023 as "Honor Your Hometown Weekend in Mississippi" to bring attention to rural communities as the cultural center of our state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That we do hereby memorialize members of the United States Congress to designate an appropriate weekend as a "National Hometown Weekend" for the reasons set forth in this resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of State and the Mississippi Division of Tourism for proper distribution to the citizens and business community of our state, and be transmitted to the members of Mississippi's Congressional delegation.