Whereas, The first Polish immigrants that came to North America were among the first settlers of Jamestown, Virginia, in the 17^th century; and,

Whereas, Kazimierz Pulaski, Tadeusz Kosciuszko and other Polish natives came to the British Colonies in American to fight in the Revolutionary War and risked their lives and fortunes for the formation of the United States; and,

Whereas, For over three hundred years the Polish people and their American descendants have shared with us their traditional customs, culture, and strong devotion to democracy; and,

Whereas, Polish people and their American descendants have distinguished themselves by contributing to the development of the arts, sciences, government, military service, athletics and education in the United States; and,

Whereas, The Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791, was directly modeled on the Constitution of the United States and was recognized as the second written constitution in history, being revered by Polish people and Americans of Polish descent; and,

Whereas, Through Revolution War heroes and Nobel Peace Prize winners, we have come to know and respect the indomitable spirit and loyal civic involvement of Polish Americans and Polander refugees and immigrants to our shores; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2004, as Polish Heritage Month in Michigan.