Governor's Proclamation

THE STATE OF WISCONSIN
_________________________
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, in response to the August 2, 1990 invasion of the State of Kuwait by the Republic of Iraq, a coalition of approximately 30 nations including the United States of America launched Operation Desert Storm at 3:00 a.m. local time on January 17, 1991 in order to enforce United Nations resolutions for Iraq to end its occupation of Kuwait; and
WHEREAS, about 10,400 Wisconsin service members served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, with 11 losing their lives; and
WHEREAS, during the course of their Persian Gulf War service, these service men and women were exposed to endemic diseases, anti-nerve agent pills and biological warfare agent vaccinations administered without informed consent, and a veritable toxic soup of burning oil well fires, depleted uranium, low-level exposures to chemical warfare agents, pesticides, and petroleum products; and
WHEREAS, nearly one-third of the approximately 697,000 U.S. service men and women who served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War have been granted federal service-connection for a myriad of illnesses and injuries, including chronic multi-symptom illnesses, neurological disorders, and an array of disabling health conditions; and
WHEREAS, elevated rates of life-threatening diseases including Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), brain cancer, and testicular cancer have been documented among Gulf War veterans in peer-reviewed medical studies; and
WHEREAS, as a public expression in recognition of the continuing sacrifice by members of the U.S. armed forces who develop illnesses from exposure to Gulf War-related risk-substances, the State of Wisconsin, by 2005 Wisconsin Act 37 enacted on August 17, 2005, designated January 17 of each year as "Gulf War Illnesses Recognition Day";
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jim Doyle, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim January 17, 2007, as
GULF WAR ILLNESSES RECOGNITION DAY
throughout the state and encourage all Wisconsinites to honor and recognize those members of the United States armed forces who served in Operation Desert Storm ? the Gulf War ? for their dedicated service, and courage in protecting and defending the United States, and request that part of the day be used for quiet contemplation to honor those brave members of the U.S. armed forces who suffer illnesses as the result of their service to our nation.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Madison this tenth day of January in the year two thousand seven.


By the Governor
DOUGLAS LA FOLLETTE
Secretary of State

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