WHEREAS, state law has traditionally provided the Governor with the authority to declare Christmas Eve of each year a legal holiday for State Government employees; and

WHEREAS, reflecting on this year's events, I encourage all State employees to celebrate the holiday season with a renewed sense of resolve in the power of the American spirit and to be very thankful for the safety today of our families.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to Section 53-5-20 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, I hereby declare Monday, December 24, 2001, as a legal holiday for State government employees in South Carolina.