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1    AN ACT concerning government.
 
2    WHEREAS, It is appropriate and right to celebrate a
3diversity of cultures and heritages, and such celebration
4serves as a reminder that despite our differing backgrounds,
5everyone in Illinois is bound by a common hope for a better and
6more inclusive future for our children; and
 
7    WHEREAS, The Arab American community has a long and
8integral history in the United States; and
 
9    WHEREAS, For over a century, Arab Americans have been
10making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of
11American society, including medicine, law, business,
12technology, government, and culture; and
 
13    WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of Arab Americans have served
14during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam
15War, the Iraq War, and the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after
16September 11, 2001; and
 
17    WHEREAS, The history of Arab Americans in American life
18often remains neglected and has been riddled with
19misunderstanding and bigotry; and
 
20    WHEREAS, Men and women of Arab descent have shared their
21rich culture, strong work ethic, and dedication to education,

 

 

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1while embracing the American spirit of opportunity and helping
2us build a better nation and State for all; and
 
3    WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are approximately
4450,000 people of Arab American descent in Illinois with more
5than 100,000 Arab American voters registered; and
 
6    WHEREAS, We recognize and celebrate the contributions to
7cultural diversity, economic growth, and the overall
8development of our State and nation made by the Arab American
9community; therefore
 
10    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
11represented in the General Assembly:
 
12    Section 5. The State Commemorative Dates Act is amended by
13adding Section 6 as follows:
 
14    (5 ILCS 490/6 new)
15    Sec. 6. Arab American Heritage Month. The month of April of
16each year is designated as Arab American Heritage Month to be
17observed throughout the State as a month to recognize the
18valuable contributions of Arab Americans to this State and to
19the various aspects of American society.
 
20    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon

 

 

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1becoming law.