PROCLAMATION
Office of the County Executive of New Castle County
Be it hereby known to all that
The Honorable Thomas P. Gordon, New Castle County Executive issues this proclamation to recognize Muslim Holidays:
EID AL-FITR AND EID AL-ADHA
WHEREAS, Islam is one of the World’s major religions and part of our shared human heritage; and
WHEREAS, the history of people of the Muslim faith includes some of the greatest, most advanced and innovative societies in the history of human existence; and
WHEREAS, from the early days of the pioneers to our present day leaders, Muslims have played a significant role in the history of New Castle County’s economic, cultural, spiritual and political development; and
WHEREAS, there are several thousand Muslim residents in New Castle County, Delaware contributing to its economy, social fabric and multicultural and pluralistic traditions; and
WHEREAS, the Muslim residents of New Castle County, with their hard work and contributions to medicine, science, information technology, education, and many other fields, have benefitted from and enriched the open, tolerant and economically vibrant environment of the County; and
WHEREAS, Muslims annually celebrate two religious holidays, Eid Al-Fitr after the holy month of fasting in Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha, during the pilgrimage of Haj; and
WHEREAS, in accord with the sentiments of our United States President Barack Obama, “Ramadan is a time to reflect spiritually, build communally, and aid those in need. While Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, it marks a new beginning for each individual – a reason to celebrate and express gratitude on this holiday”; and
WHEREAS, during the two Eids, all people are encouraged to reflect on past successes and challenges of Muslims and look to the future to continue to improve our society so that we live up to ideals of freedom, equality and justice; and
WHEREAS, New Castle County, recognizes the celebration of both Muslim holidays henceforth as part and parcel of our County’s religious and cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, I extend my best regards to Muslims in New Castle County, Delaware and throughout the world who celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and
WHEREAS, as these holidays are celebrated, this community must remember the critical importance of the respect that is to be accorded to all faiths and beliefs as reflected in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution that “prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion…,” and
WHEREAS, the County Executive recommends that schools and employers in the County extend religious accommodations in accordance with existing law to the many Muslims students in our schools and Muslim workers throughout our County.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Thomas P. Gordon, County Executive of New Castle County, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in New Castle County, Delaware.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, I encourage all New Castle County residents to join me in celebrating the collective ingenuity, creativity, cultures and traditions of Muslims and commit ourselves to raise awareness and appreciation of the two Eids by participating in events honoring the contributions of Muslims. I call upon officials, educators, librarians and all the people of New Castle to observe the two Eids with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
Presented on this 19th Day of April, 2016
by order of the County Executive.
____________________________
Thomas P. Gordon
New Castle County Executive