Bill Text: MI HR0162 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare September 22, 2021, as Maltese American Heritage Day in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-0)
Status: (Passed) 2021-09-22 - Adopted [HR0162 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-HR0162-Enrolled.html
house resolution no.162
Reps. Camilleri, Brabec, Breen, Cavanagh, Cherry, Clemente, Kuppa, Morse, Rabhi, Rogers, Sneller, Sowerby, Steenland and Young offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Malta is a country in the central Mediterranean Sea with a rich and unique history dating back thousands of years. Because of its strategic location, this archipelago of six islands has been a naval asset for centuries and was also instrumental in World War II. After coming under siege by Axis powers, the ensuing Allied offensive to regain the island was successful and was instrumental in the following North African campaign. Malta would eventually gain its independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1964, and became a republic in 1974. Today, Malta is a unitary multiparty republic, with a parliament consisting of a unicameral House of Representatives; and
Whereas, Despite its small geographic size, Malta is the fourth most densely populated country in Europe and the eighth most in the world, with a population of nearly 450,000 spread across approximately 121 square miles. Among other unique attributes, Malta boasts three UNESCO heritage sites, delicious cuisine, world-renowned diving and other recreational opportunities on its stunning coastline, and some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world; and
Whereas, The United States is fortunate to be home to more than 42,000 Maltese Americans. According to a 2017 study, over 13,000 Michiganders are Maltese immigrants or children of Maltese immigrants, making the Metro Detroit area the largest concentration of Maltese Americans in the nation. Michiganders of Maltese descent, from the auto workers that helped build Michigan into an industrial powerhouse to the entrepreneurs who opened restaurants that are still serving the Metro Detroit community today, have employed the Maltese values of creativity, perseverance, and relentless hard work to build a better future for their families and the communities they call home. Both the state of Michigan and the United States of America have been enriched by the contributions of Maltese Americans in all facets of life, including the arts, sciences, business, education, and philanthropy; and
Whereas, Maltese American residents are proudly served in Michigan by the Maltese American Benevolent Society in Detroit and the Maltese American Community Club in Dearborn; and
Whereas, Michigan views cultural diversity as a strength and welcomes the opportunity to honor our fellow Michiganders of Maltese descent for their lasting and expanding imprint upon our state; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 22, 2021, as Maltese American Heritage Day in the state of Michigan. We encourage all citizens to celebrate the individual and collective contributions of Maltese Americans to this state and to this country.
