Whereas, September 25, 2007, will mark the first National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims; and,

Whereas, This day will honor the memories of murder victims and recognize the impact of homicide on surviving family members and loved ones; and,

Whereas, In 2006, 16,742 individuals lost their lives to acts of human violence, and for all these murder victims there are untold numbers of mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, friends, co-workers and neighbors whose lives are forever altered by the tragedy and horror of suddenly losing a loved one; and,

Whereas, After the initial shock of the death of a loved one, family members often struggle with their loss and become overwhelmed with the devastating experience of picking up the pieces; and,

Whereas, The National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children and the National Center for Victims of Crime provide support, guidance and counseling for homicide survivors; and,

Whereas, The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims reminds us that murder impacts each and every one of us and calls on us to work diligently to prevent the violence that destroys lives and devastates families; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 25, 2007, as a Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims.