WHEREAS:
Since 1776 American ships named for the capital city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have sailed the seven seas in pursuit of freedom and liberty; and
WHEREAS:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is the very cradle of freedom and liberty; and
WHEREAS:
These ships and the Sailors who manned them have brought lasting peace to our nation and pride to the Commonwealth for over two centuries; and
WHEREAS:
2001 marks the continuance of a legacy and the commemoration of two hundred and twenty-five years of Boston men carrying the name of the Commonwealth's capital city to the four corners of the globe by way of the sea; and
WHEREAS:
The crews of these Commonwealth vessels are deserving of the utmost recognition, for their exemplary and dedicated service to the citizens of Massachusetts and the nation for more than two hundred years;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JANE SWIFT, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim FRIDAY, JULY 20, 2001 to be
and urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand and one, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
By Her Excellency the Governor JANE SWIFT
WILLIAM F. GALVIN
Secretary of the Commonwealth