WHEREAS, Oliver St. Clair Franklin was declared Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II just days before her death - with the title to be formally conferred at a later date; and
WHEREAS, On November 4, 2022 at the residence of the British Ambassador in Washington, DC, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, conferred the honor on Oliver on behalf of the late Queen and;
WHEREAS, For the past 24 years, Commander Franklin has worked tirelessly as the Honorary British Consul for Greater Philadelphia forging a bond between our two countries; and
WHERAS, Emma Wade Smith, the United Kingdom’s Consul General in New York City and Trade Commissioner for North America said that it was a “well deserved honor” for Franklin; and
WHEREAS, Consul Smith also said, “For a quarter of a century, [Commander Franklin] has championed U.K.-U.S. ties and cooperation through his business acumen and adroit public diplomatic skills; and
WHEREAS, Commander Franklin also formed a professional development program between Balliol College, the University of Oxford, and the Museum of the American Revolution to help educators in the United States and the United Kingdom teach the impact of the transatlantic slave trade; and
WHEREAS, In his own words Commander Oliver St. Clair Franklin has said, “I get to promote the City of Philadelphia globally, and you know what, it is not a hard sell either”; and
WHEREAS, In consideration of his many years of dedicated service, Philadelphia City Council is proud to recognize Commander Franklin for his many contributions to the Philadelphia community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby commends and honors Oliver St. Clair Franklin, CBE for his appointment as Commander of the British Empire.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of the resolution be presented to Oliver St. Clair Franklin as evidence of the gratitude of this legislative body.
End