Delaware General Assembly


CHAPTER 423

STATE OF DELAWARE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, January 17 will mark the 244th anniversary of the Birthday of Benjamin Franklin, one of our three greatest Americans and called "Father of Our Liberty"; and

WHEREAS, 1950 is the 200th anniversary of Franklin's first election to the Assembly of Pennsylvania--of which later he became President and thereby Governor of the State. 1750 was his stepping stone into world politics, where he became "History's Greatest Diplomat"; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Franklin is renowned for his part with the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Alliance with France, Treaty of Peace and the Constitution. "Poor Richard" was also, a printer, editor, publisher, inventor, economist, scientist and a "Genius of Common Sense"; "Father of Advertising in America"; founder of circulating libraries on this Continent and the University of Pennsylvania; promoted in 1751 the Pennsylvania Hospital, the first in the Colonies and still in existence; founder of the State Militia, now the National Guard; a founder of the Navy; "Father of Daylight Saving" and "Father of Thrift in America"; Advocate of Peace; first Postmaster General, a philanthropist and true American Patriot; and

WHEREAS, recognition and celebration of Franklin's Birthday has been urged by many patriotic, military and other groups;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Elbert N. Carvel, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby call upon the citizens of our State to observe January 17th

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY with special programs planned to impress upon us the contribution of this great man to the welfare and glory of our Country.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, Elbert N. Carvel, Governor of the State of Delaware, have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the said State to be hereunto affixed this Thirtieth day of December, in the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Forty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth.

(GREAT SEAL)

By the Governor:

ELBERT N. CARVEL

HARRIS B. McDOWELL, Jr., Secretary of State