Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 71
CHAPTER 62
Relative to International Firefighters’ Day.
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Filed with
Secretary of State
June 06, 2017.
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LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 71, Flora.
International Firefighters’ Day.
This measure would recognize May 4, 2017, as International Firefighters’ Day for the purpose of honoring the sacrifices made by firefighters in California and around the world.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, Firefighters risk their lives to protect life and property and to ensure their communities are safe; and
WHEREAS, On December 2, 1998, firefighters responded to a wildfire in Linton, Australia; when the fire unexpectedly changed course, five volunteer firefighters, Garry Vredeveldt, Chris Evans, Stuart Davidson, Jason Thomas, and Matthew Armstrong, tragically lost their lives; and
WHEREAS, JJ Edmondson, a volunteer lieutenant and firefighter in Victoria, Australia, was moved by this tragedy and set out to organize a day of support for all firefighters around the world; and
WHEREAS, JJ Edmondson coordinated international discussions with firefighter organizations for an appropriate date and symbol to commemorate the sacrifices firefighters make; and
WHEREAS, May 4 was eventually chosen as the date for International Firefighters’ Day; many European countries had traditionally recognized the contributions of firefighters on May 4 to coincide with the feast day of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters; and
WHEREAS, The symbol for International Firefighters’ Day is red and blue ribbons pinned together, with red representing fire and blue representing water to signify the elements firefighters work with every day; and
WHEREAS, On May 4, people are encouraged to attend memorials or display red and blue ribbons to show support for the firefighters around the world and to thank them for helping keep their communities safe; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes May 4, 2017, as International Firefighters’ Day for the purpose of honoring the sacrifices made by firefighters in California and around the world; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.