EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 23

WHEREAS, the terrorist attacks of September 11^th have so deeply affected all Connecticut citizens;

WHEREAS, in this time of war and mourning it is particularly important to spend time with friends and family;

WHEREAS, many Connecticut state employees will be traveling long distances to spend the holiday season with loved ones; and

WHEREAS, on December 5, 2001, President George W. Bush ordered all federal offices closed on December 24, 2001,

NOW THEREFORE, I, John G. Rowland, Governor of the State of Connecticut by the authority vested in me by section 1-4 of the Connecticut General Statutes and the Constitution of the State of Connecticut do hereby declare all state offices closed on December 24, 2001 and the day considered to be a state holiday and a day of Thanksgiving to honor the importance of loved ones during these difficult times.

Given under my hand and Seal of the State at the City of Hartford, this 14^th day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand and one, and of the independence of the United States two hundred and twenty five.

By His Excellency's Command
_____________________________ SUSAN BYSIEWICZ, Secretary of the State