October 16, 2003, Introduced by Rep. Koetje and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
A bill to designate the first Saturday in October of each
year as ethnic heritage celebration day in the state of
Michigan.
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
1 Sec. 1. The legislature declares that the first Saturday in
2 October of each year is ethnic heritage celebration day in this
3 state and recognizes the fundamental importance of celebrating
4 the rich ethnic cultural diversity of our state in the process of
5 taking this state to a more unified future. In celebrating the
6 diverse heritage and histories of all of the people of this
7 state, we express our collective pride and respect for the people
8 of Michigan, create awareness, and educate the public about the
9 importance of cultural diversity, even as we assimilate into 1
10 people within the state of Michigan. Ethnic heritage celebration
11 day provides the opportunity to strengthen the ethos of heritage
1 as a binding force rather than a divisive one. Ethnic heritage
2 celebration day is an opportunity to celebrate and embrace our
3 unity as a state of great ethnic diversity and to increase
4 respect and appreciation for people of many ethnic groups.
5 Sec. 2. The legislature encourages people within the great
6 state of Michigan to pause on ethnic heritage celebration day and
7 reflect upon the important contributions that people of many
8 ethnic groups have made to our freedom and democracy.
9 Sec. 3. The legislature declares that ethnic heritage
10 celebration day is a fitting tribute to the diverse ethnic groups
11 that compose the people of this state and the individual heroes
12 of each ethnic group who have made important contributions to
13 this state and the United States.