WHEREAS, The year 2005 marks the 100th anniversary of Norway's independence as a sovereign nation after a peaceful dissolution from Sweden; and
     WHEREAS, There are more people of Norwegian descent living in the United States than in Norway itself; and
     WHEREAS, Generations of Norwegian-Americans have contributed to the well-being of all Washingtonians; and
     WHEREAS, Washington recognizes the value of the customs, traditions, and heritage of all the ethnic groups inhabiting the state; and
     WHEREAS, The culture and music of Norway have been celebrated since the first Norwegian immigrants set foot on American soil; and
     WHEREAS, Male chorus singing has played an important part on the Pacific Coast of the United States since 1878 when the first Norwegian male chorus was established in Portland, Oregon; and
     WHEREAS, Numerous Norwegian immigrants have settled in Skagit Valley since 1847; and
     WHEREAS, Singers from all twelve Norwegian male choruses on the Pacific Coast will gather for the annual song festival known as Sangerfest; and
     WHEREAS, The Skagit Valley Mannskor is hosting the 96th Pacific Coast Norwegian Singers Association's Sangerfest; and
     WHEREAS, The Sangerfest Grand Concert will be held Friday, July 1, 2005, in the McIntyre Hall of the Skagit Valley Community College in Mt. Vernon;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor Norwegian Musical Heritage Day in the state of Washington, July 1, 2005, and encourage all citizens to honor the musical contributions of our citizens of Norwegian heritage; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Norwegian Singers Association.