2023 Senate Resolution 71

Whereas, Malta is a country in the central Mediterranean Sea with a rich and unique history dating back thousands of years; and

Whereas, Because of its strategic location, this archipelago of six islands has been a naval asset for centuries and was also instrumental in World War II. After coming under siege by Axis Powers, the ensuing Allied offensive to regain the island was successful and instrumental in the following North African campaign; and

Whereas, Malta would eventually gain its independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1964 and became a republic in 1974. Today, Malta is a unitary multiparty republic, with a parliament consisting of a unicameral House of Representatives; and

Whereas, Despite its small geographic size, Malta is the fourth most densely populated country in Europe and the eighth most in the world, with a population of nearly 450,000 spread across approximately 121 square miles; and

Whereas, Among other unique attributes, Malta boasts three United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) heritage sites, delicious cuisine, world-renowned diving, and other recreational opportunities on its stunning coastline, with some of the oldest freestanding structures in the world; and

Whereas, The United States is fortunate to be home to more than 38,000 Maltese Americans. The 2013 American Community Survey estimates that over 12,900 Michiganders are Maltese immigrants or children of Maltese immigrants, making the Metro Detroit area the largest concentration of Maltese Americans in the nation; and

Whereas, Michiganders of Maltese descent, from the auto workers that helped build Michigan into an industrial powerhouse, to the entrepreneurs who opened restaurants that are still serving the Metro Detroit community today, have employed the Maltese values of creativity, perseverance, and relentless hard work to build a better future for their families and the communities they call home; and

Whereas, Both the state of Michigan and the United States of America have been enriched by the contributions of Maltese Americans in all facets of life, including the arts, sciences, business, education, and philanthropy; and

Whereas, Maltese American residents are proudly served in Michigan by the Maltese American Benevolent Society in Detroit and the Maltese American Community Club in Dearborn; and

Whereas, Michigan views cultural diversity as a strength and welcomes the opportunity to honor our fellow Michiganders of Maltese descent for their lasting and expanding imprint upon our state; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize September 21, 2023, as Maltese American Heritage Day. We encourage all citizens to celebrate the individual and collective contributions of Maltese Americans to this state and to this country.