Members of the township’s Sierra Leonean community at the Township Council’s April 22 meeting.

As it has for the past several years, the Township Council has declared April 27 as “Sierra Leone Day” in Franklin.

The proclamation designating the day was approved at the council’s April 22 meeting.

April 27 is the African nation’s independence day.

Mayor Brian Levine (R) noted that the township has one of the largest Sierra Leonean communities in the country.

The proclamation, delivered by Councilman James Vassanella, (D-Ward 5) reads:

WHEREAS, the 53rd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Sierra Leone, West Africa, will be celebrated by citizens and friends of Sierra Leone in communities all over the world on April 27, 2014; and

WHEREAS, many local Sierra Leonean organizations and individuals are dedicated to the principles of civic, economic and educational programs within the Township of Franklin and are dedicated to encouraging reflection on the rich history and teachings of African Americans
and bearing witness to the progress, beauty and achievements they have made throughout our community; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, New Jersey, and all citizens of the Township wish to acknowledge and acclaim the contributions of our Sierra Leone community to the life of our community,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Councilman James Vassanella, on behalf of Mayor Brian D. Levine and the Township Council of the Township of Franklin, County of Somerset, New Jersey do hereby proclaim

SIERRA LEONE DAY
APRIL 27, 2014
IN THE TOWNSHIP OF FRANKLIN, COUNTY OF SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY