WHEREAS, for over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society, including medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service and culture; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 10,000 people with Arab ancestry live in Maine, residing in 15 of 16 Maine counties; and

WHEREAS, since migrating to America, men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with their neighbors, friends and communities, while setting good examples of citizenship and community service; and

WHEREAS, Arab Americans have enriched our society by sharing the entrepreneurial American spirit that makes our nation free and prosperous; and

WHEREAS, issues that affect Arab Americans and others, such as civil rights concerns, stereotyping, and bullying must be combatted through education and awareness; and

WHEREAS, the contributions and heritage of Arab Americans have helped us build a better and more diverse nation;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2023 as

Arab American Heritage Month

Throughout the State of Maine, and I encourage all Maine citizens to recognize this observance.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twelfth day of April Two Thousand Twenty-Three