On 5 July 2008, we were honored by the presence of County Executive John R. Leopold who took time out of his personal schedule to meet residents and visitors of Columbia Beach.  He then presented the following Proclamation:

WHEREAS:  The historic Columbia Beach was founded in 1940 by a groups of African American families as a small Chesapeake Bay vacation colony at Shady Side, Maryland; and

WHEREAS:  That community has grown today to be a large, diverse, year-around, self-governing community of 200 families who share a love of the beauty and majesty of the Chesapeake Bay and commitment to its preservation; and

WHEREAS:  July 5, 2008 will be the 61st annual Columbia Beach Day, a day of recreation and celebration for the Columbia Beach community and friends; and

WHEREAS:  Anne Arundel County is proud of the history and achievements of Columbia Beach; and

WHEREAS:  Anne Arundel County commends the Columbia Beach Citizens Improvement Association for its commitment to improving the quality of life of Anne Arundel County, to the preservation of the Chesapeake Bay, and to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Shady Side, Maryland.

Now, therefore, I, John Leopold, County Executive of Anne Arundel County, Maryland do hereby proclaim July 5, 2008 Columbia Beach Day in Anne Arundel County.

JOHN R. LEOPOLD, County Executive IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of Anne Arundel County to be affixed this 5th day of July in the Year of our Lord, two thousand and eight.

NOTE:  The actual Proclamation is framed and hangs in the Columbia Beach Office for all to see.