Proclamation Establishing Charter Day by Governor Jane Swift in September 2001.

WHEREAS: The Town of Boston was formally chartered on this date in 1630; and

WHEREAS: The Town was made the Capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on that date; and

WHEREAS: An understanding of Boston’s civic spirit, religious freedom, commitment to education, and development as a people and an economy requires an understanding of its earliest days; and

WHEREAS: Boston’s selection as Capital has been a vital element of its political, cultural, and economic leadership role in New England;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JANE M. SWIFT, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim September 7 as

BOSTON CHARTER DAY

and urge all residents of the Commonwealth to reflect on how the history of Boston has shaped our lives and the ideals of democracy throughout the world.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the
great seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts this 27th day of September, 2001.