Sponsored by:
Senator VIN GOPAL
District 11 (Monmouth)
SYNOPSIS
Designates last weekend in October as Honor Your Hometown Weekend.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the last weekend in October as Honor Your Hometown Weekend.
Whereas, The cornerstone of the strength of the State and nation lies in the towns, small and large, that make them up; and
Whereas, The common experiences of those growing up in a hometown remains an integral part of their lives, regardless of the corner of the globe where they may reside; and
Whereas, Hometowns are a reminder that shared commonalities are far greater and more important than anything that may divide people; and
Whereas, The essence of democracy is exhibited in the towns, cities, and neighborhoods where people work together to build and sustain the cultural, philanthropic, local government, small business, religious, athletic, and volunteer enterprises that enrich communities and the nation; and
Whereas, Formally acknowledging the essential power of hometowns will help people overcome divisions, renew friendships, and enhance civil discourse; and
Whereas, In the spirit of Mothers Day and Fathers Day, which have been celebrated State holidays since 1944, there should be a permanent celebration and more formal recognition of hometowns as one of the greatest unifying forces for communities in New Jersey; and
Whereas, Legendary New Jersey native, Bruce Springsteen, best captured the value of hometowns when he said of Freehold, everything Ive learned of deep importance, I learned in this town; and
Whereas, Every resident, community, business, civic institution, and other organization should have the opportunity to celebrate annually the unique attributes and history of their hometown; and
Whereas, The State and the nation should formally honor the positive impact of the hometowns that shape the lives of all; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The last weekend in October of each year is designated as Honor Your Hometown Weekend in New Jersey to recognize and appreciate the towns, cities, communities, and neighborhoods that have shaped the bonds between people, with the State, and with the nation.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and all citizens of this State to observe Honor Your Hometown Weekend with appropriate programs and activities and to, until so designated, call upon Congress and the President of the United States to designate a national weekend of celebration to honor Americas hometowns for the reasons set forth in this resolution.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates the last weekend in October every year as Honor Your Hometown Weekend in New Jersey to recognize and appreciate the towns, cities, communities, and neighborhoods that have shaped the bonds between people, with the State, and with the nation.
The resolution respectfully requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation and to call upon public officials and all citizens of the State to observe Honor Your Hometown Weekend with appropriate programs and activities. The resolution also respectfully requests the Governor to, until so designated, call upon Congress and the President of the United States to designate a national weekend of celebration to honor Americas hometowns for the reasons set forth in this resolution.