Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A Proclamation
His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick
Whereas The rivers and streams of Massachusetts have been essential to the prosperity of the Commonwealth by forming the basis of communities and sustaining their inhabitants with an ample and varied food supply; and
Whereas Rivers provide routes for commercial and social interchange, as well as lending inspiration and enjoyment to generations of philosophers, poets, artists, sportsmen and women, and citizens from all walks of life; and
Whereas The continued ecological, economic, civic, cultural and aesthetic vitality of the Commonwealth remain linked to the health and integrity of the natural infrastructure of rivers and streams; and
Whereas After centuries of enjoying the benefits of abundant water resources, the Commonwealth recognizes the importance of protecting and restoring our rivers and streams,
Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim June 2012, to be,
Rivers 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, fifteenth day of May, 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