Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas Massachusetts history has been shaped by many explorers and settlers from Portugal who established residence in the Commonwealth and helped develop the commercial fishing and whaling industries; and
Whereas Descendants of the early settlers have contributed significantly to the Commonwealth’s economy with their diligence and industrious work in such vital areas as fishing, agriculture, and textiles; and
Whereas People of Portuguese heritage continue to be a vital part of the Commonwealth’s rich diversity by contributing significantly to all aspects of daily life, including education, medicine, commerce, agriculture, communications, public service, and high technology; and
Whereas Generations of Portuguese Americans have lived the American dream and continue as exemplars of hope and inspiration, not only to their fellow Americans, but also to the new groups of Portuguese people who are joining the American family,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in do hereby proclaim June 2012, to be
Portuguese American
Heritage 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, first day of June, in the year two thousand and twelve, 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