WHEREAS, on March 26, 1953, American medical scientist, Dr. Jonas Salk, announced he had developed a vaccine against polio; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the polio vaccine has prevented 13 million cases of paralysis and saved 650,000 lives worldwide since 1988; and
WHEREAS, science has brought humanity vaccines, antibiotics, surgery, sanitation, increased agricultural yields, pasteurization, safe drinking water, and thousands of other interventions that have doubled the human lifespan in little more than a century; and
WHEREAS, people have experienced longer and healthier lives, greater convenience, and comfort due to the benefits of science; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina invites residents to show their appreciation for technology, science education, and medical research in North Carolina and beyond; and
WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to reflect on and share how scientific advances have bettered their lives and those of their loved ones;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 26, 2023, as “NATIONAL SCIENCE APPRECIATION DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.