Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas Down Syndrome is a genetic difference occurring in about one of 800 to 1000 births; and
Whereas Down Syndrome is caused by an extra 21st chromosome, resulting in a person having three copies instead of two copies of this chromosome; and
Whereas Most children born with Down Syndrome will experience delay in physical, cognitive and language development and individuals with Down Syndrome vary in their mental and physical abilities; and
Whereas Today with loving homes, available therapies, advanced medical care, better early education and greater social acceptance, people with Down Syndrome live full and productive lives; and
Whereas Through public awareness, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks to ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome are valued, included and live fulfilling lives within the community,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim October 2011 to be,
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this ffiteenth day of September, in the year two thousand and eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
By His Excellency
Deval L. Patrick
Governor of the Commonwealth
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
God save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts