house resolution no.163
Reps. Camilleri, Greig, Pohutsky, Koleszar, Garza, Coleman, Liberati, Tyrone Carter, Hammoud, Clemente and Manoogian offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Malta is a country in the 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, ruled by a succession of empires including the Romans, French, and British. Malta also played a key role in the Second World War. Coming under siege by the Axis, 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, just under 450,000 people live in Malta and it is one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries. Malta boasts three United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage sites, beautiful recreational opportunities, and some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world; and
Whereas, The United States is fortunate to be home to tens of thousands of Maltese Americans. Thousands of Michiganders are Maltese immigrants or children of Maltese immigrants, and Metro Detroit boasts 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 used 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 19, 2019, 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.