A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE THE VITAL ROLE OF FIRST RESPONDERS THROUGHOUT OUR STATE AND TO PROCLAIM SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA FIRST RESPONDER PRAYER AND APPRECIATION DAY" AND THE FIRST WEEK IN AUGUST 2024 AS "SOUTH CAROLINA FIRST RESPONDER PRAYER AND APPRECIATION WEEK" IN SOUTH CAROLINA, BRINGING AWARENESS, PRAYER, AND APPRECIATION FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO STAND IN THE GAP EVERY DAY PROVIDING CIVILITY AND SAFETY TO OUR COMMUNITIES.

Whereas, the role of the local first responder in sheriffs', fire, and police departments and emergency medical services is vital to the civility and overall safety of any community; and

Whereas, local first responders, who are our neighbors and friends, are placed in unsettling situations, where often they must make split-second decisions for the lives of those around them, and they are often placed in harm's way; and

Whereas, from our nation's conception dating back to the Declaration of Independence, the country gained great strength, comfort, and resolve in prayer as they "appealed to the Supreme Judge of the World"; and

Whereas, throughout our nation's history, from presidents to citizens, prayer has always been, and still is, a great source of strength, protection, and comfort for those in need; and

Whereas, the need for widespread prayer and appreciation for our first responders presents a responsibility incumbent on those who enjoy their protection, and participation in prayer provides encouragement, unity, and humility that builds strong communities; and

Whereas, recognizing that prayer invites God's hand of protection and provision, the General Assembly calls churches and other civic organizations to support their local first responders through prayer and appreciation during South Carolina First Responder Prayer and Appreciation Week, and the members invite citizens across the Palmetto State to celebrate and encourage public servants who serve as first responders with words of affirmation.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize the vital role of first responders throughout our State and proclaim Saturday, August 3, 2024, as "South Carolina First Responder Prayer and Appreciation Day" and the first week in August 2024 as "South Carolina First Responder Prayer and Appreciation Week" in South Carolina, bringing awareness, prayer, and appreciation for the men and women and their families who stand in the gap every day providing civility and safety to our communities.

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