Whereas, the 3rd Saturday in June is the designated time to celebrate and honor the destroyer escort ships; and

Whereas, in order to expedite timely commemoration ceremonies and events and to have this legislation in time for the actual date of the celebration, this legislation must be enacted immediately; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 1 MRSA §139 is enacted to read:

§139.__Destroyer Escort Day

The 3rd Saturday in June of each year is designated as Destroyer Escort Day in this State, and the Governor shall annually issue a proclamation inviting the people of the State to observe this day in honor of the destroyer escort ships and the people from this State who gallantly served on them as they performed antisubmarine duties, escorted convoys and tankers and performed search and rescue operations for downed pilots and survivors of ill-fated ships during World War II, the Korean Conflict and the War in Vietnam.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes the 3rd Saturday in June of each year as Destroyer Escort Day in this State in honor of the destroyer escort ships and the people from this State who served on them.