-----Original Message----- From: Jonelle Ellis Russell [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, July 13, 2001 11:38 PM Subject: Family History Month Resolution Dear Friends . The following is a portion of a message I received this evening. Those of you who know me are aware that I have been strongly supporting Family History Month since I first learned of the effort. I encourage every one to take this opportunity to celebrate the Heritage of your Family and Community, Our families created the history that is the fabric of our country. I hope you will write to your national, state and local governmental officials supporting " Family History Month" locally, statewide, and nationally. Thank you for your efforts. Jo Jonelle Ellis Russell <[email protected]> I am copying the text of both his resolution and the "Dear Colleague" letter below. Best, Juliana ==================================================================== "DEAR COLLEAGUE" LETTER AND FAMILY HISTORY RESOLUTION TEXT ==================================================================== United States Senate Washington, DC 20510-4402 July 10, 2001 Dear Colleague: It is with great enthusiasm that I write to ask you to cosponsor my resolution that will dedicate the Month of October of each year as "Family History Month." Within the last month some 14,167,329 people researched their family history and 24 million people have used the Web and email to locate or hunt for family or friends with whom they had lost touch. Researching ancestry is a very important component to self identity. It can lead to long-sought-after family reunions or life saving stories like that of Nancy Andjelich Margraff. Nancy's story, found in the book, "In Search of Our Ancestors," by Megan Smolenyak, helps to illustrate the need for public attention to the important subject of family history. Nancy started showing signs of an illness that afflicted her father who died suddenly at the age of 39. At the time her mother was told that her father had a rare illness that caused a cerebral hemorrhage that killed him. After Nancy learned she had this deadly illness, she began corresponding with the Minister of Health in Zagreb, Croatia. He kindly accepted and distributed informational packets that Nancy put together regarding the diagnosis and treatment of her illness. She disseminated the informational packets to her extended family members, many of whom are alive today because they were identified through family history research that lead to the early diagnosis and treatment of their affliction. At present there are some 2,500 genealogical societies in the United States that represent approximately a million people who belong to these groups. One such group, The Federation of Genealogical Societies, represents around 560 genealogical societies and ultimately at least half a million individuals. There is no doubt that the study of family history is growing in popularity and is an important tool in researching ethnic identity and genetic health concerns. I urge you to join me in supporting the millions of American men and women who have researched their family history by co-sponsoring the "Family History Resolution." For more information on this resolution or to add your name as cosponsor, please contact Chris Campbell in my office at (202)224-4412. Sincerely, Orrin G. Hatch United States Senator ____________________________________________________________________ 107th Congress, 1st Session. S. Res. _____ IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES Mr. Hatch submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on __________________ RESOLUTION Designating the month of October each year as "Family History Month." Whereas it is the family, striving for a future of opportunity and hope, that reflects our Nation's belief in community, stability, and love; Whereas the family remains an institution of promise, reliance, and encouragement; Whereas we look to the family as an unwavering symbol of constancy that will help us discover a future of prosperity, promise, and potential; Whereas within our Nation's libraries and archives lie the treasured records that detail the history of our Nation, our States, our communities, and our citizens; Whereas individuals from across our Nation and across the world have embarked on a genealogical journey by discovering who their ancestors were and how various forces shaped their past; Whereas an ever-growing number in our Nation and in other nations are collecting, preserving, and sharing genealogies, personal documents, and memorabilia that detail the life and times of families around the world; Whereas 54,000,000 individuals belong to a family where someone in the family has used the Internet to research their family history; Whereas individuals from across our Nation and across the world continue to research their family heritage and its impact upon the history of our Nation and the world; Whereas approximately 60 percent of Americans have expressed an interest in tracing their family history; Whereas the study of family history gives individuals a sense of their heritage and a sense of responsibility in carrying out a legacy that their ancestors began; Whereas as individuals learn about their ancestors who worked so hard and sacrificed so much, their commitment to honor their ancestors memory by doing good is increased; Whereas interest in our personal family history transcends all cultural and religious affiliations; Whereas to encourage family history research, education, and the sharing of knowledge is to renew the commitment to the concept of family and home; and Whereas the involvement of National, State, and local officials in promoting genealogy and in facilitating access to family history records in archives and libraries are important factors in the successful perception of nationwide camaraderie, support, and participation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate --- (1) designates the month of October each year as "Family History Month"; and (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.