Commending the "Friends of William Penn," a nonprofit educational society dedicated to reaffirming his "Holy Experiment," on the occasion of William Penn's birthday, October 24th.

WHEREAS, Philadelphians recognize the founding by William Penn of our City, birthplace of the Nation; and

WHEREAS, William Penn extended friendship and fair dealing to the native American Indians, and established our City and State as a haven for oppressed peoples of the world, to whom he offered religious and civil liberties, and high standards of justice; and

WHEREAS, William Penn was far ahead of his time as an untiring advocate of representative government, city planning, penal reform, humane mental institutions, and public education for everyone; and one of the first statesmen to envision the unification of the American Colonies; and

WHEREAS, William Penn, through his "Holy Experiment," introduced into our City and State a humanitarian code of law which was honored in 1751 by the casting of the Liberty Bell; and

WHEREAS, William Penn's belief in the nonviolent settlement of disputes among individuals, states, and nations continues to guide and inspire us today; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby commend the "Friends of William Penn" for their continuing efforts in re-awakening and reaffirming the values and the ideals of William Penn, founder of our City and State, who was committed to the practice of our liberties and freedom of religion and conscience for all citizens; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That as evidence of the sentiments of this legislative body, that Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to Elaine Peden, and Jay Meyers, Esquire, co-Chairpersons of the "Friends of William Penn."

End