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2022 SESSION

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22105217D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 134 Offered February 16, 2022 Designating April, in 2022 and in each succeeding year, as Scots-Irish Heritage Month in Virginia. ----------
Patrons-- Petersen, Boysko, Cosgrove, Deeds, Edwards, Howell, McDougle, McPike, Morrissey, Reeves, Ruff and Spruill; Delegates: Adams, D.M., Bulova, Convirs-Fowler, Hope, Jenkins, Orrock, Rasoul, Reid, Shin, Ware, Watts and Wilt
---------- Unanimous consent to introduce ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, Scots-Irish generally refers to Scottish immigrants who settled in the Ulster area of Northern Ireland and later migrated to North America, where they contributed to the foundation of the United States and have made a lasting impact on American culture; and

WHEREAS, many Scottish and Scots-Irish people traveled to the American Colonies in search of greater religious liberty, while others arrived in the colonies as indentured servants working to gain their freedom; and

WHEREAS, driven by their pursuit of liberty and sense of adventure, many Scots-Irish immigrants struck out for the frontier, and Scots-Irish culture grew deep roots throughout Appalachia; and

WHEREAS, Scots-Irish people have long played a role in American government, with nine of the original governors of the Thirteen American Colonies claiming Scottish or Scots-Irish heritage; and

WHEREAS, the Declaration of Arbroath, in which Scotland declared its independence from England, was a precursor of the Declaration of Independence, almost half of the signers of which were Scottish or Scots-Irish; and

WHEREAS, Scots-Irish immigrants played a vital role in the growth of early American industry, and Scots-Irish people have since made incredible contributions to business, education, the arts, medicine, government, and the military in the United States;

and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that more than 27 million Americans can trace their ancestry to Scotland and Northern Ireland; and

WHEREAS, many present-day Scottish Highland games and festivals take place throughout the United States, and Scots-Irish Heritage Month provides an opportunity for all Virginians to celebrate Scottish and Scots-Irish culture while learning about the history, heritage, and contributions of the Scots-Irish people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly designate April, in 2022 and in each succeeding year, as Scots-Irish Heritage Month in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to representatives of the Scots-Irish community so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the Senate post the designation of this month on the General Assembly's website.