Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick has issued a proclamation declaring today, June 28, to be Community Newspaper Day. See a PDF of the proclamation here: Community Newspaper Day.

The proclamation was issued, in part, to recognize the 175 birthday today of the Patriot Ledger in Quincy, one of the oldest continuously publishing newspapers in the United States.

The proclamation states:

Whereas Community newspapers have played an important role in the Commonwealth’s history by providing residents with a reliable source of relevant information and by helping them stay connected with the events and occurrences that affect their lives and those of their neighbors; and

Whereas Freedom of the Press, guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, is a cornerstone of our democracy; and

Whereas Community newspapers promote government transparency and provide residents with important information related to the business of their local governments; and

Whereas The printed word unites the common man in pursuit of education and information and allows us all to recognize a stake in the community; and

Whereas Newspapers encourage civic engagement and serve as a forum for dialogue on issues important to local cities and towns by covering topics of interest to the community as a whole; and

Whereas Community newspapers help build stronger communities by recognizing residents’ achievements, celebrating the births and weddings of loved ones and neighbors, and showcasing local cultural and social events; and

Whereas Massachusetts is home to some of the longest circulating newspapers in the country, including the Patriot Ledger which celebrates 175 years of service to the City of Quincy and the communities of the south shore; and

Whereas On this day we recognize community newspapers and their many contributions to the rich fabric of the Commonwealth,

Now, Therefore, I, Deval L. Patrick, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim June 28th, 2012, to be ,

Community Newspaper Day

And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.