CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION BY MARK R. WARNER
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF VIRGINIA

WHEREAS, our nation's population is among the world's most diverse, with citizens and immigrants hailing from nearly every nation, culture and background, including many people from all corners of the globe who call Virginia their home; and

WHEREAS, technological advances affecting international trade, communication and travel continue to make our world "smaller" and increase opportunities for interaction between people from different societies, cultures and nations; and

WHEREAS, in our post-9/11 world, understanding and toleration of people from diverse cultural, societal, religious, educational, philosophical and economic backgrounds is increasingly important to the security and prosperity of our nation and of peoples throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, teaching international curriculum in our schools and communities, as well as, participation in foreign exchange programs enhances the continued growth, success and enrichment of Virginia's population, encourages domestic appreciation for international cultures and helps create goodwill for the United States throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, teaching foreign languages in our schools and helping students understand the diversity of cultures throughout the world contribute to our ability to meet future national security, foreign policy, economic and other global challenges facing the United States and our Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, it is important that Virginia' s preparatory schools, colleges and universities include international language and cultural lessons in their curriculum so that more students graduate with expertise in foreign languages, cultures and government policies and are able to meet the growing complexities of international business, foreign relations and domestic security; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Education and the United States Department of State promote international education to improve foreign government and trade relations, enhance homeland security and promote cultural diversity by encouraging programs that prepare Americans for an international society and to attract future leaders from abroad to study in the United States;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mark R. Warner, do hereby recognize November 14-18, 2005, as INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

GOVERNOR MARK R. WARNER

ANITA A. RIMLER, SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH

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