SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1995-8603

By Senator McDonald, Roach, Heavey, Rasmussen, Gaspard, C. Anderson and Fraser

     WHEREAS, The state of Washington and its residents have welcomed and assisted newly arrived refugees from all parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East; and

     WHEREAS, Many individuals and organizations have given extensively of their time, talents, and resources to assist refugees in becoming contributing members of our state; and

     WHEREAS, The refugees have brought with them new ideas and ideals, new aspirations and ambitions, and new achievements and accomplishments that have added to the strength and diversity of our American society; and

     WHEREAS, Many refugees have contributed to our state's economic growth, diversified our political life, enriched our culture, and stimulated progress in all facets of our society; and

     WHEREAS, The year of 1995 marks the 20th anniversary of the Southeast Asian refugee resettlement effort in Washington state, and the Vietnamese American refugee community in King county has organized a celebration on January 14, 1995, to commemorate that event;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate acknowledges the many contributions the refugees have made to our state and urges all citizens to join with us in honoring them.

I, Marty Brown, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1995-8603,

adopted by the Senate January 13, 1995.

MARTY BROWN

Secretary of the Senate