Global Day of Happiness.

Like countless others, my 3 year old son is a fan of Sponge Bob Squarepants.

So, naturally, I was aware that today, July 17th, 2009, Nickelodeon is beginning it's celebration of ten years of Sponge Bob. I am also aware that today is the start of "The Ultimate SpongeBob SpongeBash Weekend."

I just found out - via a link on Drudge - that as part of the celebration, Nick has proclaimed today as the first Global Day of Happiness. The link was to a story of the Mayor of Durham, North Carolina signing a proclamation urging Durham residents to join in.

After a bit of web surfing, I found that Nickelodeon had been asking government officials to get on board and had even written up a sample "proclamation" for the officials' use.
A copy of the proclamation is pasted below:

Sample Proclamation
This language can be used as a sample proclamation for Global Day of Happiness.

Proclaimed to the citizens of ___________________________
(State)

Whereas, on behalf of the citizens of ___________ (Your Sate), I join Nickelodeon in celebrating the first Global Day of Happiness. Due to current affairs a day in honor of happiness is in order, and

Whereas, Nickelodeon kindly requests declaring July 17th a “Day of Happiness” in your city asking citizens to embrace the exuberant behavior of Nickelodeon characters, and their philosophy of optimism, and to dedicate themselves to spending the day soaking up happiness, and

Whereas, a Global Day of Happiness will help recognize simple pleasures, like a smile. The more in tune with one’s happiness, the more one is inspired to commit good deeds, and

Whereas, everyone coming together to honor happiness, will set a positive attitude for the future, and

Whereas, mental health is a worldwide issue, and happiness increases confidence, and self-esteem, which leads to success, and a healthy lifestyle, and

Whereas, this (State) is committed to working to support the welfare, happiness, and success of its citizens,

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that I (Name and title of elected official) do hereby proclaim July, 17th, 2009 to be

Global Day of Happiness in (Your State)

IN OBSERVANCE THEREOF, I call upon the good people of (Your State) to join me in recognizing all those associated with making this endeavor a reality, and wishing them all the very best, and happiness in the future.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of (Your State) on this _____ day of July 2009.

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