Reps. Runestad, Howrylak, Kesto, Hernandez, McCready, Afendoulis, Webber, Hauck, Victory, VanSingel, Crawford, Frederick, Farrington, Kelly, Hornberger, Glenn, LaFave, Bellino, Hughes, Marino, Bizon, Ellison, VerHeulen, Tedder, Barrett, Whiteford, Allor, Sheppard, Pagel, Brann, Love, Dianda, Hertel, Cochran, Peterson, Singh, Robinson, Rabhi, Kosowski, LaSata, Neeley, Sneller, Greig, Maturen and Phelps offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 411.

            A resolution to declare October 18, 2018, as American Middle East Christian Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, There are over six million Middle East Christians across the United States including Arab Christians, Armenians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Coptics, Maronites, Phoenicians, Syriacs, and others; and

            Whereas, In Michigan, there are approximately half a million Middle East Christians spanning over eight generations; and

            Whereas, American Middle East Christians are a culturally rich community representing American Christians descending from all Middle East nations; and

            Whereas, The American Middle East Christians are descendants of the cradle of civilization and hail from the ancient regions of the world. The ancestors of Middle East Christians have contributed significantly to the world's greatest achievements, including the Hammurabi Code, the world's first known written set of laws. Their monuments are considered wonders of the world, including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Pyramids; and 

            Whereas, Many American Middle East Christians continue to speak the ancient language, Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ. Today, the families of American Middle East Christians face religious and civil persecution, forced conversion, expulsion, and near extinction in homelands. Nevertheless, they have not wavered from their faith and culture; and

            Whereas, American Middle East Christians contribute today to American society and culture in all areas, including government, politics, science, and the arts; and

            Whereas, Many of the American Middle East Christians’ family members overseas continue to seek refuge in Michigan for economic, political and religious freedom. Many American Middle East Christians in Michigan own thriving businesses with a solid contribution and investment in Michigan’s growing economy. American Middle East Christians in Michigan are a testament to the strength of their Christian faith and a culture of forgiveness and sacrifice as they strive to make a positive impact on their communities.  The state of Michigan is proud of its cultural diversity and welcomes the opportunity to honor and recognize its American Middle East Christian citizens; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 18, 2018, as American Middle East Christian Day in the state of Michigan. We  encourage all citizens to commemorate and honor the many accomplishments and contributions that the American Middle East community has made to our state, nation and world; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be sent to the American Middle East Christians Congress in Michigan, as honorary evidence of the highest esteem of the members of the Michigan Legislature.