<section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-101" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Seal"> <level label="a"> <text>The Great Seal of Maryland is the State seal.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The reverse of the State seal shall be used officially.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-102" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Seal"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The obverse of the Great Seal of Maryland depicts:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an equestrian figure of the Lord Proprietary arrayed in complete armor and holding a drawn sword;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a horse wearing caparisons adorned with the family coat of arms for Lord Baltimore; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>on the ground below the equestrian figure, a sparse growth of grass on sandy soil and a few small blue and yellow flowers.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The circle surrounding the obverse of the Great Seal of Maryland contains the Latin inscription “Caecilius Absolutus Dominus Terrae Mariae et Avaloniae Baro de Baltemore”, which means “Cecil Absolute Lord of Maryland and Avalon Baron of Baltimore”, referring to Lord Baltimore’s first settlement in the new world, on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The reverse of the Great Seal of Maryland depicts:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the family coat of arms for Lord Baltimore, as described in paragraph (2) of this subsection;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>an Earl’s coronet placed above the shield indicating George Calvert’s status as an earl or a count palatine in Maryland, though only a baron in England;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>above the Earl’s coronet, a helmet set full–faced;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>above the helmet, the Calvert crest, which consists of two pennons, or pennants, supported by gules (red) staffs, issuing from the ducal coronet:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the dexter (right) pennon, of or (gold); and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the other pennon, of sable (black);</text> </level> </level> <level label="v"> <text>a plowman wearing a high–crowned, broad–brimmed beaver hat and holding one side of the shield with his left hand and a spade in his right hand;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>a fisherman wearing a knitted cap somewhat resembling a stocking cap and holding one side of the shield with his right hand and in his left hand a fish that is not specific to any species; and</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>at the feet of the plowman and fisherman, a ribbon containing, in Italian, the Calvert family motto, “Fatti maschii parole femine”, which generally means “Strong deeds, gentle words”.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>The family coat of arms for Lord Baltimore is divided into quarters.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>The first and fourth quarters:</text> <level label="1"> <text>appear in the top–left and bottom–right quarters;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>represent the coat of arms of the Calvert family; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>are a paly of six pieces, or (gold) and sable (black), and a bend dexter (right diagonal band) counterchanged, so that they consist of six alternating gold and black vertical bars with a diagonal band on which the colors are reversed.</text> </level> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>The second and third quarters:</text> <level label="1"> <text>appear in the top–right and bottom–left quarters;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>show the coat of arms of the Crossland family, which Cecil Calvert inherited from his grandmother, Alicia, wife of Leonard Calvert, the father of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>are quartered argent (silver) and gules (red), a cross bottony counterchanged, so that they consist of a quartered field of silver and red, charged with a cross bottony that has arms terminating in a button or a three–leaf clover and opposite coloring.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>Behind and surrounding the depiction described in paragraph (1) of this subsection are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an ermine–lined mantle;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a circle around the seal containing the words “Scuto bonae voluntatis tuae coronasti nos”, meaning “With favor wilt thou compass us as with a shield” (Psalm 5:12); and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the date 1632, the year the Maryland charter was granted.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-103" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Seal"> <text>The Secretary of State shall have custody of the State seal.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-104" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="State Seal"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor may have the State seal:</text> <level label="i"> <text>to affix it to a certified copy of a law or resolution;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>to affix it to a communication from the State to the United States, another state, or a foreign country; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>as needed for any other purpose provided by law.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Unless the Governor signs the document, the Governor may not affix the State seal to a document or allow the State seal to be affixed to a document issued by the Executive Branch of the State government.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House may have the State seal to affix it to a bill as required by law.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-201" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Flags"> <text>The Maryland flag is the State flag.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-202" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Flags"> <level label="a"> <text>The State flag is divided into quarters.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The first and fourth quarters are a paly of six pieces, or (gold) and sable (black), and a bend dexter (right diagonal band) counterchanged, so that they consist of six alternating gold and black vertical bars with a diagonal band on which the colors are reversed.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The second and third quarters are quartered argent (white) and gules (red), a cross bottony counterchanged, so that they consist of a quartered field of white and red, charged with a Greek cross that has arms terminating in trefoils and opposite coloring so that red is on the white quarters and white is on the red quarters, as represented on the escutcheon of the State seal.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-203" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Flags"> <text>Only a gold cross bottony may be used as an ornament on the top of a flagstaff that carries the State flag. </text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-204" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Flags"> <level label="a"> <text>The flag of the United States and the State flag shall be flown from the State House as provided in this section.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>When the General Assembly is in session, the flag of the United States and the State flag shall be flown continuously.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>When the General Assembly is not in session, the flag of the United States and the State flag shall be flown:</text> <level label="1"> <text>continuously on each day that the Governor designates as a public occasion; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>between sunrise and sunset on any other day when the weather permits.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>The State flag shall be flown with the black stripe on the diagonal bands of the first quarter at the top of the flagstaff, as shown in the illustration of the State flag in “Chronicles of Colonial Maryland”.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-205" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Flags"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Flag to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc.; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the flag designated by the United States Congress as the official symbol to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“POW/MIA flag” means the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) flag of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, each year, the POW/MIA flag and a flag to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty shall be flown on the State House grounds on:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the third Saturday in May, for Armed Forces Day;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>May 30, for Memorial Day;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the day that the United States Congress designates for the observance of Memorial Day, if other than May 30;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to May 30, unless the United States Congress designates another day for the observance of Memorial Day, in which case, the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to the day designated by the United States Congress;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>July 4, for Independence Day;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>the third Friday in September, for POW/MIA Recognition Day;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>November 11, for Veterans’ Day;</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>the day that the United States Congress designates for the observance of Veterans’ Day, if other than November 11; and</text> </level> <level label="ix"> <text>the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to November 11, unless the United States Congress designates another day for the observance of Veterans’ Day, in which case, the Saturday and Sunday that are closest to the day designated by the United States Congress.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If the United States Congress designates a flag as the official symbol to honor and remember members of the armed forces who died in the line of duty, the flag designated by Congress instead of the flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc., shall be flown in accordance with paragraph (1) of this subsection.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-206" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Flags"> <text>A flag of the United States or a State flag that is displayed on State property and purchased with State money must be manufactured in the United States.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-207" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Flags"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Eligible decedent” means:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an employee of the State or any political subdivision who died as a result of:</text> <level label="1"> <text>an accidental injury that arose out of and in the course of employment with the State or political subdivision; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>an injury caused by a willful or negligent act of a third person, directed against the employee in the course of employment with the State or political subdivision;</text> </level> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>a current or former constitutional officer, as defined in § 29–305 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>a current or former member of the General Assembly;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>a current or former Governor of the State;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>a judge, as defined in § 1–101 of the Courts Article;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>an individual who currently holds or formerly held any of the positions identified in § 29–304 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; or</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>any other individual whom the Governor designates through an executive order.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Political subdivision” has the meaning stated in § 4–101 of this article.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>“Wholly produced in the United States” means a flag that contains only:</text> <level label="i"> <text>materials and components that are grown, manufactured, or created entirely in the United States;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>processing components, including spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing, that are performed entirely in the United States; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>materials that have been manufactured and assembled entirely in the United States.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>On request, the Secretary of State shall furnish a State flag to drape the casket of an eligible decedent.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary of State shall adopt regulations establishing a process to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>submit a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>verify that a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection is being made on behalf of an eligible decedent.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>After the burial of an eligible decedent, the flag shall be:</text> <level label="i"> <text>claimed by and provided to the eligible decedent’s next of kin; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>provided to a close friend or an associate, if it is not claimed by the eligible decedent’s next of kin.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Only one flag may be provided for the death of an eligible decedent under this section.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary of State may not procure any flag under this section unless it is wholly produced in the United States.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary of State may waive the requirement under paragraph (1) of this subsection if it cannot be met reasonably.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-301" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is the State bird.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-302" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The calico cat is the State cat.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-303" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Maryland Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) is the State crustacean.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-304" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the State dog.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-305" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The striped bass or rockfish (Morone saxatilis) is the State fish.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-306" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Black–Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is the State flower.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-307" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The thoroughbred horse is the State horse.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-308" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton) is the State insect.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-309" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is the State reptile.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-310" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The megalodon (Otodus megalodon) is the State shark.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-311" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The white oak (Quercus alba) is the State tree.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-313" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The original Maryland orange crush is the State cocktail.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-314" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>Smith Island cake is the State dessert.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-315" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>Milk is the State drink.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-316" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>Square dancing is the State folk dance.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-317" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) is the official mascot of the University of Maryland, College Park Campus.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-318" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor may designate a citizen of the State as its Poet Laureate.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Poet Laureate:</text> <level label="i"> <text>may not receive compensation as Poet Laureate; but</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, is entitled to reimbursement for any expenses incurred in the performance of duties as Poet Laureate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Reimbursement under this subsection:</text> <level label="i"> <text>shall be paid from the General Emergency Fund of the Board of Public Works; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>may not exceed $1,000 in any 1 fiscal year.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-319" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>Maryland Rye or Maryland Rye Whiskey is the State spirit.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-320" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <level label="a"> <text>Center Stage in Baltimore City is the State theater.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Olney Theatre in Montgomery County is the State summer theater.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-322" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Astrodon johnstoni is the State dinosaur.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-323" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Ecphora gardnerae gardnerae (Wilson) is the State fossil shell.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-324" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Patuxent River stone is the State gem.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-325" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>Chromite is the State mineral.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-326" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Natural History Society of Maryland is the State natural sciences museum.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-326.1" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The Calvert Marine Museum is the State paleontology collection and research center.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-327" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>The skipjack is the State boat.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-328" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <text>Walking is the State exercise.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-329" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Additional Emblems; Designations"> <level label="a"> <text>Jousting is the State sport.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Lacrosse is the State team sport.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-401" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim January 13 as Korean American Day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Korean American Day properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-402" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the day designated as new year on the Asian lunar calendar as Asian Lunar New Year Day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Asian Lunar New Year Day is in recognition of the economic and cultural contributions of the many Marylanders for whom the lunar new year holds special significance.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-403" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim January 27 as Maryland Holocaust Remembrance Day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall declare Maryland Holocaust Remembrance Day:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a day of reflection, recollection, and determination for Maryland families, educators, religious communities, political bodies, and media to remember the human tragedy that is the Holocaust; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a pledge to spread the lessons and the reality of the Holocaust to future generations in an effort to ensure that we never forget and bear witness to the mass slaughter of human beings as a consequence of prejudice, bigotry, ignorance, and hate.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-404" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim March 9 as 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day in recognition of the service of the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. </text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-405" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day through appropriate and informative programs and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-406" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>March 30 shall be Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day in recognition of the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans. </text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-407" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>proclaim April 3 as Crime Victim and Advocate Commemorative Day to honor the individuals in the State who have become crime victims and the advocates who serve those victims; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>take appropriate steps to publicize Crime Victim and Advocate Commemorative Day.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-408" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim April 13 as John Hanson’s birthday and dedicate April 13 to him.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-409" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim April 16 as National Healthcare Decisions Day.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-410" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim May 1 as Law Day U.S.A.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-411" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the second Thursday in May as Maryland Centenarians Day in recognition of the lives of the State’s citizens who have reached the landmark age of 100 years.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-412" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the second Saturday in May as Negro Baseball League Day.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-413" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall issue a proclamation encouraging the media, government units, business and recreational facilities, and citizens of the State to unite in remembrance and commemorate the heroic acts and efforts of Marylanders who have served and died in the United States armed forces by observing a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-414" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the first Sunday in June as the day to honor the fire, rescue, and emergency services workers of the State who made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Governor annually shall order the State flag to be flown at half–staff on the first Sunday in June.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On the first Sunday in June each year, memorial plaques containing the names of the fire, rescue, and emergency services workers who made the ultimate sacrifice shall be placed on the Maryland Fire–Rescue Services Memorial in the City of Annapolis by the Maryland Fire–Rescue Services Memorial Foundation, Inc.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-415" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim June 20 as Maryland Charter Day.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-416" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim July 2 as Thurgood Marshall Day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Thurgood Marshall Day properly.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-417.1" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim October 1 as Purple Lights Night to honor the individuals in the State who are victims or suvivors of domestic violence and express support for the elimination of domestic violence in the State.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-418" future_version_removed="true" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim September 30 as Maryland Veterans Suicide Prevention Day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall declare Maryland Veterans Suicide Prevention Day:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a day of reflection, recollection, and determination for Maryland veterans, service members, family members, and all Marylanders to remember the human tragedy that is associated with veteran suicide; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a pledge to our veteran community to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>work to destigmatize mental health support;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>create more opportunities for those with mental health issues to speak freely and get the support they need; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>encourage veterans to reach out for help.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-419" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim October 2 as South Asian American Heritage Day.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe South Asian American Heritage Day properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-420" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor shall annually proclaim October 5 as Dashain Day, a festival originating in Nepal that celebrates and symbolizes victory of good over evil.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-421" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim October 15 as Poetry Day in recognition of the cultural and human values of poetry and poetic expression.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge cultural, educational, patriotic, and religious organizations to observe Poetry Day properly.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-422" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim November 1 as Maryland Emancipation Day in recognition of the emancipation of the slaves in the State.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-423" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Commemorative Days"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim December 17 as Annapolis Charter Day.</text> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-501" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Commemorative Months"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of January as Muslim American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Muslim Americans have made to the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Muslim American Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-502" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Commemorative Months"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of February as Black History Month in recognition of the historical contributions that Black Americans have made to the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Black History Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-503" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Commemorative Months"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of March as Irish–American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Irish Americans have made to the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Irish–American Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-504" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Commemorative Months"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of March as Women’s History Month in recognition of the historical contributions that women have made to the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Women’s History Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-505" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Commemorative Months"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Jewish American Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-506" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Commemorative Months"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of August as Caribbean Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Caribbean Americans have made to the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Caribbean Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-507" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Commemorative Months"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the month from September 15 to October 15, both inclusive, as Hispanic Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe Hispanic Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-508" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Commemorative Months"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the month of October as German–American Heritage Month in recognition of the contributions that German Americans have made to the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe German–American Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-509" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="5" subtitle_name="Commemorative Months"> <level label="a"> <text>In recognition of the contributions that American Indians have made to the State, the Governor annually shall proclaim November as American Indian Heritage Month.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and cultural organizations to observe American Indian Heritage Month properly with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.</text> </level> </section> <section article="ggp" article_name="General Provisions" number="7-601" title_number="7" title_name="Emblems; Designations; Commemorative Days and Months" subtitle_number="6" subtitle_name="Commemorative Weeks"> <level label="a"> <text>The Governor annually shall proclaim the second week in June as Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The proclamation shall urge educational and environmental organizations, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Choose Clean Water Coalition, and the Chesapeake Bay Commercial Fishermen’s Association, to observe Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week properly with appropriate events, activities, and programs designed to increase awareness of the importance of the Chesapeake Bay to the State, the region, and the United States.</text> </level> </section>