100 STAT. 3358
PUBLIC LAW 99-602—NOV. 5, 1986.
Public Law 99-602 99th Congress
» Joint Resolution
Nov. 5, 1986 [H.J. Res. 645]
To designate 1988 as the "National Year of Friendship with Finland".
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Whereas the first Finnish settlers arrived in North America in 1638 and, with other Nordic settlers, established the colony of New Sweden in what is now the State of Delaware; Whereas the settlers of New Sweden introduced European civilization to the Delaware River Valley; Whereas many of the settlers of New Sweden were either natives of Finland or natives of Sweden who spoke Finnish; Whereas, in the 17th century, Nordic communities existed in what are now the States of Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York; Whereas Nordic culture was the 3d most represented culture in the original 13 colonies during the 17th century; Whereas some of the ancestors of John Morton, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence from Pennsylvania, were born in Finland; Whereas approximately 700,000 Americans of Finnish descent are now living in the United States; Whereas the contributions of Americans of Finnish descent to American history, culture, and technology have been continuous and substantial; Whereas, in 1938, festivities commemorating the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Sweden were attended by officials of the Governments of Finland, Sweden, and the United States; Whereas the Governor of the State of Delaware has formally invited the people of Finland to participate in festivities in 1988 commemorating the 350th anniversary of New Sweden; and Whereas the relationship between the people of Finland and the people of the United States should be commemorated: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. That 1988 is designated the "National Year of Friendship with Finland", and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such year with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Approved November 5, 1986.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 645: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 132 (1986): Oct. 17, considered and passed House. Oct. 18, considered and passed Senate.
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