Tacoma, Washington Bill of Rights Day Proclamation
December 9, 2003
WHEREAS, on December 15, 1791, our founding fathers rejoiced in the ratification of the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States –a Bill of Rights which has helped guarantee all Americans the Liberty which we so cherish; and
WHEREAS, we learned that the lesson our founding fathers taught is as true today as it was two centuries ago – Liberty depends not upon the state, but upon the people; and
WHEREAS, the citizens’ best defense against tyranny and want is a government that empowers its people and which respects bravery, the initiative and the generosity of the people; and
WHEREAS, the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights deserve perennial celebrations; the sacrifices mad to protect the Bill of Rights deserve eternal remembrance; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BILL BAARSMA, Mayor of the City of Tacoma, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2003 as HUMAN RIGHTS DAY And December 15, 2003 as BILL OF RIGHTS DAY
In the City of Tacoma and I call upon all citizens of the City of Tacoma to honor the legacy of human rights passed down to us from previous generations and to resolve that such liberties will prevail in our Nation and throughout the world.
Witness, therefore, my hand and the official seal of the City of Tacoma, Washington
Signed the 9th day of December 2003
Bill Baarsma
Mayor