Washington (June 10, 2016) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) were joined by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) today in applauding the passage of S.Res.491, the bipartisan resolution designating June 12, 2016as the national day of racial amity and reconciliation, or “Race Amity Day”. The day seeks to celebrate America’s multicultural, multiethnic and multiracial diversity. It also serves as a time of reflection on the ideals of friendship, civility and respect that bind the American people together everyday.

“I am proud to follow in the footsteps of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and bring the ideals of the Race Amity Day Resolution to the floor of the United States Senate,” said Senator Markey. “I am proud to serve a nation of people who can live their lives in the spirit of our country’s motto “E Pluribus Unum” and embrace what makes our nation so special -- our diversity of cultures, races, and perspectives. I hope this day will serve as a reminder for everyone to reflect on these important values and to recommit to denouncing any rhetoric of hate and intolerance that does not represent who we are as a nation.”

“Good will among the American people strengthens our communities and country.  This resolution encourages us to remember that we should work together to meet the challenges facing our nation,” Senator Cochran said.

Full text of the Senate resolution is below.

RESOLUTION

Designating June 12, 2016, as a national day of racial amity and reconciliation.

Whereas the greatest asset of the United States is the people of the United States;

Whereas the motto on the Great Seal of the United States is E Pluribus Unum, ‘‘out of many, one’’;

Whereas the United States is comprised of multicultural, multiethnic, and multiracial people;

Whereas friendship, collegiality, civility, respect, and kindness are commonly shared ideals of the people of the United States; and

Whereas organizations and communities across the United States, motivated by the ideals behind the motto of E Pluribus Unum, have joined together in introspection and reflection on how the diversity of the people of the United States has been indispensable in creating the United States: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) designates June 12, 2016, as a national day of racial amity and reconciliation;

(2) supports all people of the United States who join in activities in support of the goals and ideals of racial amity; and

(3) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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