WHEREAS, Pakistan proclaimed its independence on August 14, 1947, and has fostered a close relationship with the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Pakistan’s history of sovereign independence was a great step forward for the cause of freedom and the country’s history has inspired, supported, and assisted nations around the world in their pursuit of liberty, justice, democracy, and equality; and

WHEREAS, With diligence, fortitude, and an enduring belief in the American dream, Pakistani immigrants have helped to turn emergent areas within the State of California into thriving and respectable communities, while raising their children to be productive Pakistani Americans; and

WHEREAS, Pakistani Americans have become an integral part of mainstream American society and have made important contributions as Californians in the fields of finance, technology, law, medicine, education, sports, media, the arts, the military, and government, as well as other areas; and

WHEREAS, There remains much to be done to ensure that Pakistani Americans have access to resources, have a voice in the United States government, and continue to advance in the political landscape of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Celebrating Pakistani-American relations provides the people of California with an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, and history of Pakistani Americans, and to appreciate the challenges and opportunities before Pakistani Americans; and

WHEREAS, As the Pakistani American community prepares for a new era and creates a new history, Pakistani Americans must instill in younger generations the proper appreciation for the courage and values of their forefathers, a deep sense of affinity with their roots, and pride in their own cultural heritage so that they may better contribute to the great State of California, rich with ethnic and cultural diversity; now, therefore, be it