GOV. RITTER THANKS FILIPINO-AMERICANS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS AND PROCLAIMS "PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY"

Gov. Bill Ritter today proclaimed June 12, 2009, "Philippine Independence Day" throughout Colorado, recognizing the friendship the Republic of the Philippines has shown the United States for more than a century, and the contributions that Filipinos and Filipino-Americans have made to the State of Colorado. According to a 2007 survey by the American Community Survey, more than 15,000 Filipinos currently reside in Colorado, helping grow the economy and adding another unique cultural dynamic to Colorado's already-rich melting pot. Below is the text of the proclamation.

 

 

 

PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY

June 12, 2009

 

WHEREAS, on June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Filipino independence from Spain and established the Philippine Republic; and

 

WHEREAS, strong bonds of friendship and alliance have bound the people of the Philippines and the people of the United States for more than a century, including the period of time that the Philippines had Commonwealth status as part of the United States; and

 

WHEREAS, Filipino and Filipino-American veterans served with courage and distinction in liberating Asia during World War II, further strengthening the bonds of friendship between the Philippines and the United States; and

 

WHEREAS, the Filipino-American community has made and continues to make important contributions to the economic, artistic, and cultural diversity of Colorado and the United States; and

 

WHEREAS, Filipino-Americans are a growing and vibrant part of the Asian-American community in Colorado; and

 

WHEREAS, the Filipino-American Community Center in Edgewater has expanded its services and outreach, welcoming an historic mission to Colorado by the San Francisco Philippine Consulate General in 2006; and

 

WHEREAS, the State of Colorado recognizes the Philippines on the 111^th anniversary since declaring independence, and appreciates the many Filipino-Americans that add to the rich diversity and cultural fabric of our state;

 

Therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim June 12, 2009,

 

PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

in the State of Colorado.

 

 

GIVEN under my hand and the Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this eleventh day of June, 2009

 

 

 

 

Bill Ritter, Jr.

Governor