Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas Countless Americans cannot afford the legal representation that they need to protect their lives, properties, and natural liberties; and
Whereas The American legal vocation has the capacity, through pro bono work, to contribute specialized skills and expert knowledge to these vulnerable populations; and
Whereas Few other professions are in a position to offer this assistance and in so doing substantially enhance the distribution of justice and equality in their communities; and
Whereas Nearly three quarters of the members of this profession devote their time and efforts to meeting the civil legal needs of people with limited resources; and
Whereas Through public awareness, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts seeks to uphold its responsibility of building support for pro bono work and swelling the ranks of volunteers involved, just as so many in the legal profession uphold their responsibility of working so that all people may receive adequate and appropriate representation and protection in the legal system regardless of their economic standing,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim October 2011, to be
Pro Bono
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 twentieth 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