Family History Month
WHEREAS, Virginians of all backgrounds contribute to our Commonwealth’s rich cultural diversity, storied history and promising future, and it is important to recognize the positive contributions to our society made by people from all heritages; and
WHEREAS, throughout the history of our Commonwealth, families have served as a steady source of strength, stability, and love for every generation; and
WHEREAS, the study of family history often gives us a sense of pride at our heritage and the sacrifices made by our forbears, and descendants of Virginians from across the world are making genealogical journeys into their pasts, finding renewed interests in history, languages, laws and social science; and
WHEREAS, as many common diseases are hereditary, family history is an invaluable research subject for health care professionals, and it enables doctors to more accurately predict the disorders patients may be at risk by tracing illnesses through family trees; and
WHEREAS, Virginia’s libraries and archives contain treasured records that detail the history of the Commonwealth of Virginia, our communities and our citizens; and
WHEREAS, there are over 250 genealogical societies, historical societies, archives and libraries throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia to assist with family history research;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize October 2010 as FAMILY HISTORY MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.