Bill Text: CA ACR133 | 2017-2018 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Finnish Independence Centennial observance.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-09-25 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 197, Statutes of 2017. [ACR133 Detail]
Download: California-2017-ACR133-Chaptered.html
| Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 133 |
| CHAPTER 197 |
Relative to Finnish Independence Centennial.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
September 25, 2017.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 133, Harper.
Finnish Independence Centennial observance.
This measure would recognize December 6, 2017, as the Centennial of Finnish Independence and recognize the strong international relationship between California and Finland.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee: NOBill Text
WHEREAS, Finland is celebrating its 100 years of Independence this year on December 6, 2017. This is an exciting time for the country as well as their friends across the world; and
WHEREAS, The Republic of Finland won its complete independence in 1917. Today Finland and her 5.5 million citizens enjoy a highly industrialized, largely free-market economy based on manufacturing and exports with output similar to that of other European Union countries; and
WHEREAS, California is Finland’s largest United States trading partner. The Los Angeles area is home to several Finnish companies as well as the Consulate General. While California’s Finnish population is small, the estimated 14,000 Finns in California continually demonstrate the greatness and beauty of their homeland, and their contributions are notable and reflect success in many industries and community activism. These Finnish Californians also add enormously to the rich cultural diversity of California; and
WHEREAS, During World War II, Stalin attacked the Finns, who were outnumbered, yet they fought bravely against the Russians for several weeks. Finland eventually had to seek peace, and war ended when they created the Treaty of Moscow on March 12, 1940. Finland went on to sign a peace treaty with Russia in 1947. In 1955 Finland joined the United Nations and the Nordic Council and pursued a neutral foreign policy; and
WHEREAS, The Prime Minister of Finland, Juha Sipila, spearheaded “The Finland 100 Years” organization which will oversee the celebratory events across the world. In China, Finnish citizens are creating events to celebrate Finland’s Centenary. The Finnish Embassy in Shanghai is pulling Finnish companies, schools, and business councils together to celebrate. The theme of the Finland 100 movement is “Together”; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, the year-long celebrations include various events from the West Coast to the East Coast. One of the highlights is the Traveling Sauna, which is used as the mascot to gain social media attention and spread the word on Finland’s centennial celebration. The Traveling Sauna’s tour started in Minneapolis and includes about 12 stops across the United States. Most of the centennial events are organized by volunteers and Finnish Americans along with those who support this celebration and its events; and
WHEREAS, The best way to celebrate Finland’s 100 years of independence is to come together as friends across the world and realize how important an independent nation is; and
WHEREAS, The Finland 100 movement can be found on social media through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Prime Minister Sipila wants people to know that the celebration is not only about its independence, but it is about Finland’s past, present, and promising future; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes December 6, 2017, as the Finnish Independence Centennial; and be it further
Resolved, That the State of California and the Republic of Finland enjoy their strong international relationship; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
