MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Scoper, Hewes

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND 1999 AS THE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF GEORGE WASHINGTON.

WHEREAS, December 14, 1999, will be recognized as the 200-year anniversary of the death of George Washington; and

WHEREAS, as the father of our nation and the protector of our liberties, George Washington's steadfast character and devotion to duty established high standards and inspired generations of Americans in the service of their country and the conduct of their private lives; and

WHEREAS, Governor Kirk Fordice has proclaimed December 14, 1999, as the 200th Anniversary of the Death of George Washington, encouraging all citizens to commemorate his life and character; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is making this event a focus of their year's activities, especially the Mississippi State Conference to be held in Jackson February 18-20; and

WHEREAS, in further commemoration of our first president, a variety of events have been planned; a George Washington Tulip Poplar and a Mt. Vernon Red Maple will be planted on the grounds of Trinity Episcopal Church in Pass Christian in April, with Washington Memorial Gardens planned throughout Mississippi by local chapters throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, local chapters statewide will present a set of Mt. Vernon selected books to local libraries, and will participate in summer "story hours" devoted to George Washington; and

WHEREAS, in September, local chapters will recognize "Constitution Week", commemorating George Washington's role as president of the Constitutional Convention; and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of this Legislature to join with the Governor, our nation's Congress, and the Daughters of the American Revolution in commemorating the 200th anniversary of this great man's death in order to recognize, promulgate and perpetuate the ideals established by our first President as being truly "the American Way":

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate December 14, 1999, as the 200th Anniversary of the Death of George Washington, and join in encouraging all citizens to celebrate that day his life and character.

BE FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Mississippi DAR Regent Mrs. Dell Scoper for reading at the State Conference.