The Delaware Coalition of Reason (Delaware CoR) is pleased to announce that Darwin Day has been proclaimed on February 12th, 2017 by both Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, to commemorate the life and legacy of English evolutionary biologist, Charles Darwin.

The text of the Statement in Observance of Charles Darwin Day reads:

“Whereas, Charles Darwin is recognized for the development of the theory of Evolution; and

Whereas, Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is the foundation of modern biology, an essential tool in understanding the development of life on earth; and

Whereas, the anniversary of Darwin’s birthday is a time to reflect and celebrate the importance of his scientific achievements; and

Whereas, the State of Delaware is proud of its commitment to scientific research.

Now, Therefore, We, John Carney, Governor, and Bethany Hall-Long, Lieutenant Governor, do hereby declare February 12, 2017 as Charles Darwin Day in the State of Delaware, and urge all citizens to join us in celebrating his tremendous contributions and achievements in the field of science.”

Chuck Dyke, the Coordinator of the Delaware Coalition of Reason commented, “The work of Charles Darwin has meaning in the State of Delaware, even today. The Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve collaborates with fifteen other National Estuarine Research Reserves in thirteen coastal states on a first-in-the-nation research study that examines the capabilities of tidal marshes to keep pace with sea level rise. Additionally, Delaware’s agricultural industry is made up of 2,400 family farms with an $8 billion economic impact, thereby providing jobs to many people, bringing income to their families. The Department of Technology and Information—the state’s central IT organization—provides innovative enterprise services that enables other organizations. As you can see, Delawareans like me are proud of our commitment to scientific research.”

Dyke also added, “The spirit of science, literacy, education, technology, commerce and enterprise provides a foundation for the shared futures of all Delawareans, regardless of their belief and identity. As Governor Carney said in his inaugural speech, “The Delaware Way in its most valuable and valued expression is not about a few powerful people behind closed doors. It’s about working together. Those things are timeless. Yes, we need to become more agile. More creative. More determined. Not to keep up. But to shape our own future.”

Dyke concluded, “On behalf of the Delaware Coalition of Reason, I want to convey our sincere gratitude to both the Honorable Governor Carney and our Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long for their commitment to the people of Delaware. As we in the Delaware Coalition of Reason celebrate this year’s Charles Darwin Day, we reach out to everyone to join us in this celebration and throughout the coming year. As Governor Carney reminded us recently, change is the new normal for our world, our country, and our state and only together can we meet those challenges to secure the future for all of us.”

The Delaware Coalition of Reason is a proactive partnership of three Atheist, Free-Thought advocate, and Humanist groups working together throughout the State of Delaware. Their clear vision is to foster a sense of community for the secular and secular-friendly across Delaware, and to raise the visibility of the efforts for those who have not yet found a Secular community through which they can thrive and feel welcome.

The International Darwin Day Foundation, founded by Dr. Robert Stephens in 1993, is a project of the American Humanist Association. Its mission is to promote the public education of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and to encourage the celebration of science and humanity. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.