SENATE MEMORIAL 28

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

William E. Sharer

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE THE THIRD SATURDAY IN MAY AS

"CELTIC HERITAGE DAY" IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, people from the Celtic seven nations, Ireland,

Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany and Galicia,

settled in New Mexico and have made important contributions to

the state; and

     WHEREAS, the preservation and study of Celtic culture,

including sports, music, art, history, folklore, dance and

literature, enriches the lives of the residents of New Mexico;

and

     WHEREAS, the Rio Grande valley Celtic festival, held the

third weekend in May, celebrates traditional Celtic activities,

such as Highland games, also known as heavy athletics, dance,

bagpiping, music, rugby, a Celtic dog exhibition and the

gathering of people from the seven nations for cultural exchange; and

     WHEREAS, the twenty-fifth annual Rio Grande valley Celtic festival has been selected to host the masters world championship, which will bring male and female athletes age forty and above from all over the world to compete in these traditional games of strength and skill on May 18, 2013; and

     WHEREAS Celtic traditions are a part of the American landscape and culture, and today's Celtic Americans continue to strive to preserve and perpetuate this unique segment of America's heritage;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to designate the third Saturday in May as "Celtic Heritage Day" in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the mayor of Albuquerque.

- 2 -