WHEREAS, The history and participation of people of Russian heritage in the American experience will be greatly enhanced and appreciated through the observation of the month of June as Russian American Heritage and Culture Month in the State of Washington; and

WHEREAS, Individuals of Russian heritage such as Ivan Turchaninov, Union Army Brigadier General; Igor Sikorsky, inventor of the helicopter and the multi-engine airplane; Vladimir Zworykin, a Russian American inventor, engineer, and pioneer of television technology; Sergei Rachmaninoff and Igor Stravinsky, world-renowned composers; Vladimir Nabokov, acclaimed novelist; Michael Douglas, Milla Jovovich, Mila Kunis, Billy Crystal, Yul Brynner, and Kirk Douglas, Hollywood legends; Sergey Brin, co-founder and head of the Google Corporation; Irving Berlin, author of the song "God Bless America"; and many others have made important contributions to the United States and the world; and

WHEREAS, The recognition of such significant contributions will enhance the opportunities for Russian American youth to take pride in their forebears and to identify with them as role models; and

WHEREAS, Better knowledge of the role of Russian Americans in the history of the United States and of relations between Russia and America can lead to more productive opportunities for cooperation and mutual understanding; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives honor the month of June as Russian American Heritage and Culture Month; and urge that during this month there be active efforts to examine the subject in public schools, colleges, universities, and other venues; and encourage events and activities supporting interest and attention to Russian American history and how Russian Americans have retained their cultural identity while contributing significantly to the enrichment of Washington State and America; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Honorable Jay Inslee, Governor of the State of Washington; to His Excellency Sergey Ivanovich Kislyak, Russian Federation Ambassador to the United States; to Andrey K. Yushmanov, Russian Federation Consul General in Seattle; to Russian American organizations; to other historical societies and government entities; and to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.