WHEREAS,  the State of Maine is blessed with abundant natural beauty and is known throughout the world for its scenic seacoast, its beautiful mountains, its lakes and rivers and its millions of acres of woodlands; and

WHEREAS,  Maine’s population currently is at 1,320,000, the most people it has ever had since Maine became a state; and

WHEREAS,  Maine is the 39th largest state in the Nation, and with its population and its size can still offer miles of wilderness and space for all to enjoy; and

WHEREAS,  many people move to Maine for the natural beauty the State provides and for the healthy and high quality of life and for the peaceful and friendly towns, cities and countryside; and

WHEREAS,  each area of Maine is rich in history and Maine is known for its seafaring legacy, its rural culture, its logging, agriculture, paper-making and lobstering industries, its fishing heritage and its famous tradition of serving as Vacationland to an international community for boating, camping, hunting, hiking, skiing and many other activities; and

WHEREAS,  many people born and raised in Maine have had to leave the State, due to job opportunities or other reasons, and most people who have had to leave Maine always remember the State of Maine with happy memories and good feelings; and

WHEREAS,  those who now live out of state continue to enjoy visits and connections with those who live in Maine; now, therefore, be it