[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1111]]
                             RACE UNITY DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 1997

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, there can be no greater cause in the United 
States of America today than the promotion of unity among the races. 
Recognition of unity in diversity is the foundation for true and 
lasting peace in our great country. Race unity is the most challenging 
issue facing our Nation. Only by achieving it can we aspire to exert 
moral leadership for peace among Nations.
  June 8, 1977 marks the 38th annual observance of Race Unity Day, 
inaugurated by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the 
United States. The purpose of Race Unity Day is to focus our attention 
on the oneness of humankind and to celebrate our unity amidst our 
diversity. With its diverse ethnic and racial make up, the State of 
Florida is an excellent location for a state-wide celebration of this 
day.
  The Honorable Lawton Chiles, Governor of the State of Florida, has 
proclaimed Sunday, June 8, 1977 as Race Unity Day in Florida. Many 
county commissioners and mayors are signing similar proclamations 
across the Sunshine State.
  We commend the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the 
United States for inaugurating Race Unity Day 38 years ago. We also 
commend Baha'i communities, throughout Florida and other groups like 
NAACP in Key West, and Multi-Ethnic Advisory Board of Broward County 
for initiating and cosponsoring State-wide celebrations of Race Unity 
Day.
  The text of the Proclamation of the Honorable Governor:

       Whereas, the United States was founded and peopled by 
     individuals of many different ethnic and racial origins; and
       Whereas, our nation's Declaration of Independence 
     articulates the credo upon which our nation was built, that 
     all men and women are created equal; and
       Whereas, we live in a world that makes universal peace our 
     first priority if civilization is to survive and advance; and
       Whereas, the United States of America has sought to serve 
     as an example to other nations of the world; and
       Whereas, the state of Florida has a population which 
     represents highly diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds; and
       Whereas, a free people must remain vigilant and mindful of 
     the goals of achieving peace and unity among all peoples; and
       Whereas, every individual is like a flower in the garden of 
     humanity:
       Now, therefore, I, Lawton Chiles, by virtue of the 
     authority vested in me as Governor of the state of Florida, 
     do hereby proclaim June 8, 1997, as Race Unity Day in Florida 
     with the fervent hope that Americans everywhere will take 
     this time to accept and wholeheartedly celebrate unity in 
     diversity.

     

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