Sample Proclamation

Sample Free Speech Week Proclamation

WHEREAS, our Founding Fathers created and adopted the United States Constitution in 1787, thereby setting forth the supreme law of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, written by James Madison to guarantee individual freedoms, were ratified in 1791 and became known collectively as the Bill of Rights; and

WHEREAS, the First Amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”; and

WHEREAS, freedom of speech is a right guaranteed to all Americans; and

WHEREAS, Free Speech Week, a national, annual, non-partisan, commemorative event, takes place during the third full week of October to raise awareness of the importance of free speech and a free press in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Free Speech Week is designed to be an inclusive celebration for all Americans, and as such, a wide variety of organizations, schools and individuals across the country will conduct activities and events devoted to free speech topics to mark the week; and

WHEREAS, Free Speech Week is also an opportunity to share information with the public and the media as a way of furthering the vision of our Founding Fathers;

NOW, THEREFORE, I _________________ (Governor/Mayor/Municipal Leader) of ________________ (State or City) do hereby proclaim October 21-27, 2024 to be Free Speech Week, and encourage all citizens to participate in the celebration of this fundamental freedom.