World Polio Day Proclamation – Gov. Ricketts

 State of Nebraska

Proclamation

WHEREAS, Rotary is a global network of neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite and take action to create lasting change in communities across the globe including nearly 70 communities here in Nebraska; and

WHEREAS, the Rotary motto, Service Above Self, inspires members to provide humanitarian service, follow high ethical standards, and promote goodwill and peace in the world; and

WHEREAS, Rotary in 1985 launched PolioPlus and in 1988 helped establish the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which today includes the World Health Organization, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to immunize the children of the world against polio; and

WHEREAS, to date, Rotary members across Nebraska and around the world have contributed more than $2.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to protecting nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries and is working to raise an additional $50 million per year, which will be leveraged for maximum impact by an additional $100 million annually from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and

WHEREAS, these efforts are providing much-needed operational support, medical staff, laboratory equipment, and educational materials for health workers and parents; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Rotary has played a major role in decisions by donor governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Pete Ricketts, Governor of the State of Nebraska, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM October 24, 2022 as

World Polio Day

in Nebraska, I encourage all citizens to join the Rotary Clubs across Nebraska and Rotary International to be vaccinated and donate to help with the fight for a polio-free world.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed this seeventh day of October, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Twenty-two.

Attest:

Robert B Enven, Secretary of State

Pete Ricketts, Governor