STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

---

Whereas, the Empire State’s greatest strength is its diversity of people and we appreciate the contributions made by citizens of all backgrounds who reflect a wonderful representation of nations, ethnicities, religions and races, and we also recognize that these populations have a tremendous impact upon the social, cultural, and economic development of our State and Nation, and that our well-being depends upon a continuous flow of new immigrant life; and

Whereas, New York State is home to the largest immigrant population in the United States and in observance of Immigrant Heritage Week being celebrated for the fifth year, we join to commemorate this meaningful occasion with our entire multicultural population and rejoice in the richness of our pluralistic society; and

Whereas, the Empire State is proud to honor the history of various communities that have not only strengthened our State and Nation – but influenced the course of all humankind – and adding to the greatness of this country are individuals and entire communities of various ancestries, many of whom can trace their roots in this country back several centuries; and

Whereas, escaping persecution and seeking refuge, many groups of immigrants arrived in New York City with others following, giving rise to a wonderful legacy – one that is as unique and compelling to their own family’s history as is to the United States’ history; and

Whereas, today we celebrate generations of people from diverse backgrounds who embraced the opportunity of a better life in America and, throughout the centuries, their contributions have been noteworthy and reflect success in many areas including medicine, science, education, the arts, technology, business and industry, and they have participated creatively and industriously in every facet of life, working to better our cities and neighborhoods by building schools, libraries, hospitals, houses of worship and many other institutions; and

Whereas, this occasion is also a time of remembrance and recognition of the many individuals who were brought to these shores for a number of reasons for which we are grateful, as many of them who came in pursuit of a life of freedom, thankfully found comfort, security, and a home in this nation of immigrants; and

Whereas, all New Yorkers can be proud of our State’s role as a champion of religious, political and human rights, and we celebrate with the immigrant community the enduring faith, history and culture of all our people, and are further inspired by the unity that we exemplify for all of mankind;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim April 14-20, 2008 as IMMIGRANT HERITAGE WEEK and extend best wishes to all of our communities as they hold appropriate ceremonies to commemorate this observance.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this ninth day of April in the year two thousand eight.