WHEREAS, Law Day is a “day of national dedication to the principles of government under law,” as stated by President Dwight Eisenhower, who established the first nationwide commemoration in 1958; and

WHEREAS, the Constitution has established a framework for government that strengthens and unites our nation under the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, upholding the rule of law is vital for protecting rights enshrined in the Constitution and ensuring a foundation for freedom and liberty for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, emergency medical services is a vital public service; and

WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and

WHEREAS, access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and

WHEREAS, about every two minutes, a person in the United States is diagnosed with lung cancer; and

WHEREAS, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for women and men; and

WHEREAS, although new case rates have dropped significantly in recent years, Maine still has the 5th highest lung cancer incidence rate in the country and an estimated 1,460 Mainers will be diagnosed this year alone; and

WHEREAS, Maine is fortunate to have over 400,000 people aged 60 and over who contribute skills, talent, wisdom, and experience to our great state; and

WHEREAS, our communities benefit when people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can participate fully with the highest level of independence; and

WHEREAS, older Mainers improve our communities through intergenerational relationships, community service, civic engagement, and many other activities; and

WHEREAS, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 3,200 probable cases of Lyme disease in 2024; and

WHEREAS, the actual incidence of Lyme disease in Maine is likely much higher than reported, disproportionately affecting children between five and fifteen years and adults over sixty-five years; and

WHEREAS, mental health is an essential component of overall health and wellbeing, and through working together to raise public awareness and reduce stigma around seeking mental health treatment, we can improve the lives of individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges; and

WHEREAS, 50 percent of all mental health disorders begin by age 14 and 75 percent of all mental health disorders begin by the mid-20's; and