An Inclusive Litany

7/28/97

A proclamation by the Governor of the State of California:
WHEREAS, breast-feeding benefits society as a whole by strengthening the bonds shared by mother and infants, and is also an important part of preventative health care, providing mothers with short and long-term benefits, including decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer; and

WHEREAS, compelling scientific evidence indicates that human milk is unique in that it provides infants with optimum growth and development, protection against specific infections and allergies, and positive long-term effects on their health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, the incidence and duration of breast-feeding among women in California are lower than the National Year 2000 Health Objectives, especially among economically disadvantaged women; and

WHEREAS, public health organizations throughout the Golden State are working to educate communities concerning the advantages of breast-feeding, and to create a supportive public environment in order that this important practice may be reestablished as a cultural norm;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PETE WILSON, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim August 1997 as Breast-Feeding Awareness Month in California, and I encourage all Californians to support Breast-Feeding as the preferred infant feeding method and a priority in our communities.

IN WITNESS THEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 10th day of June 1997.

Pete Wilson
Governor of California

ATTEST:

Bill Jones
Secretary of State

August is also "World Breastfeeding Week." Other commemorations observed throughout the month include:

  • National Catfish Month
  • National Water Quality Month
  • National Romance Awareness Month
  • National Bargain Hunting Week
  • National Smile Week
  • Psychic Week
  • Simplify Your Life Week
  • Mosquito Awareness Weekend [!]
  • American Family Day
  • Friendship Day
  • Sisters' Day
  • Coast Guard Day
  • Book Lovers' Day
  • National Relaxation Day
  • Lavender Liberty Day
  • Bad Poetry Day
  • National Mustard Day