WHEREAS, Maine enjoys a large, vibrant Franco-American community, largely as a result of French Canadians immigrating to the state between 1840 and 1930; and

WHEREAS, at least twenty-five percent of Maine citizens claim Franco-American heritage, and French is the second-most spoken language in the state; and

WHEREAS, the significant cultural, economic, and civic contributions made by Franco-Americans have enriched the culture and lives of Maine people; and

WHEREAS, Maine benefits from a close and prosperous relationship with its Canadian neighbors, and despite uncertain federal policy Maine will always welcome our Canadian friends to visit our state; and

WHEREAS, the feast of Saint Jean the Baptist is an important French cultural observance, celebrated in America as early as 1636; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with 1 MRSA § 120, the State of Maine and its citizens observe June 24th as Saint Jean-Baptiste Day;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim June 24, 2025 as

Saint Jean-Baptiste Day

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this eleventh day of June Two Thousand Twenty-Five