the john muir exhibit - john_muir_day - 1988 california resolution
ACR 96 (Assembly Concurrent Resolution 96, 1988):
First Legislation on John Muir Day
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 96
Resolution Chapter 27
[Filed with Secretary of State April 18, 1988]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL's DIGEST
ACR 96 Campbell.. John Muir.
This measure would proclaim April 21,
1988, as John Muir Day, request the Governor
to make a similar proclamation, designate the
state's observance of April 21 of following
years as a commemorative holiday to honor
John Muir and observe the importance of an
ecologically sound environment, and request
public schools and public agencies to observe
John Muir Day, as specified.
WHEREAS, John Muir was the founding father
of the conservation efforts which resulted in
our national park system, which today has
grown to almost 80 billion acres, and
WHEREAS, He began his conservation efforts
in the 1880's, when the social consciousness
of America concentrated on the Industrial
Revolution and its expansionist philosophies
which would have led to the devastation of
the natural environment; and
WHEREAS He popularized the concept of
conservation and land use and was
instrumental in changing the direction of this
country toward socially beneficial goals
which resulted in the United States becoming
a leading force that worked on behalf of
global unity and the preservation of the
environment; and
WHEREAS, He was cofounder and lifetime
president of the Sierra Club, a private,
nonprofit organization that acts as an
advocate on environmental issues and is
known worldwide; and
WHEREAS John Muir was an outstanding figure
in the history of the United States and of
California and was subsequently named
Greatest Californian
by the California
Historical Society in 1976; and
WHEREAS He was an accomplished author
whose writings about wildlands and wildlife
are still widely read and treasured; and
WHEREAS, He is honored by more geographical
namesakes than any other person in the State
of California; and
WHEREAS, Despite his death 70 years ago,
John Muir still holds a preeminent place in
the hearts and minds of many Californians;
and
WHEREAS, Generations of Americans have
reveled in the beauty and magnificence of
national parks such as Yosemite, Sequoia, the
Kings Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and Petrified
Forest, all of which were set aside at the
urging of Muir, now therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of
California, the Senate thereof concurring,
That April 21, 1988, is hereby proclaimed by
the Legislature as John Muir Day, and be it further
Resolved, That the Governor is requested
to make a similar proclamation, and be it further
Resolved, That this measure be adopted
with urgency as this April 21st marks the
150th anniversary of the birth of John Muir
who was born in 1838 on that date; and be it further
Resolved, That April 21st of every year
after this resolution is enacted be designated
as a commemorative holiday to observe the
importance that an ecologically sound natural
environment plays in the quality of life of us
all and indeed the future of our own
existence; and be it further
Resolved, That the observance of John
Muir Day emphasize John Muir's significant
contribution to the fostering of such an
awareness and the indelible mark left on
California and the world by him, and be it further
Resolved, That, in their observance, public
schools endeavor to include special studies in
their curriculum and public agencies
providing services to the public endeavor to
institute special programs in their activities
to deal with the contributions of John Muir,
and be it further
Resolved, That the chief Clerk of the
Assembly transmit a copy of this resolution
to the Governor.