STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FOUR
_____
JOINT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE MARCH 12, 2024 AS
FRANCO-AMERICAN DAY
WHEREAS, the State of Maine is named after the Province of Maine in France, and the
towns of Paris and Calais owe their names to the capital city of France and the French port city
of Calais, respectively; and
WHEREAS, more than 1/3 of the population of Maine is of French and Canadian descent,
and Franco-Americans in Maine have contributed much to the beauty and quality of this State;
and
WHEREAS, French is the primary language of thousands of Maine citizens and there has
been a resurgence in the use of the French language and a heightened appreciation of Franco-
American heritage throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, clubs and organizations to promote French culture and language have sprung
up throughout the State, including the Franco-American Caucus at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, fluent French-English bilingual people are a cultural and economic resource
to the State; and
WHEREAS, cultural tourism can be greatly enhanced by the genuine Franco-American
centers throughout the State, and the large Franco-American presence in Maine can further
strengthen our relationships with Canada, France and the rest of the francophone world; and
WHEREAS, the first Franco-American Day was celebrated in March 2002 at the State
Capitol; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-first Legislature now
assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, proclaim that
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 is Franco-American Day, to be celebrated at the State Capitol; and
be it further
RESOLVED: That Franco-American Day be celebrated to commemorate the rich history
of the French people in the State of Maine and the United States of America.
Page 1 - 131LR3112(01)