HR1171: HR1171 Georgia Aquarium; 20th Anniversary; recognize

26 LC 129 0753 House Resolution 1171 By: Representatives Stephens of the 164th, Greene of the 154th, Jones of the 47th, Parrish of the 158th, Hugley of the 141st, and others A RESOLUTION Commending the Georgia Aquarium on its 20th Anniversary; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005 as a philanthropic gift to the city of Atlanta,2 made possible through the generosity and vision of the late Ber nie Marcus, and has since3 become one of Georgia's most beloved cultural institutions, wel coming millions of guests4 and inspiring curiosity, stewardship, and a lasting appreciation for the ocean; and5 WHEREAS, Georgia Aquarium stands as one of the state of Georgia ’s most significant6 tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the nation an d the world and serving as a7 catalyst for economic development, revitalization, and sustaine d growth in downtown8 Atlanta; and9 WHEREAS, Georgia Aquarium's transformative experiences have rei magined what an10 aquarium can be, as awe-inspiring habitats and immersive galler ies are paired with11 science-based storytelling so families, students, and visitors of all ages connect deeply with12 aquatic life and leave with a renewed sense of wonder; and13 WHEREAS, its profound community impact reaches downtown Atlanta and classrooms14 across the State, as accessible programs and field experiences strengthen tourism, support15 H. R. 1171 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0753 local businesses, and expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities for Georgia's students;16 and17 WHEREAS, as an animal well-being champion, the aquarium advance s best practices18 through collaborative research and responds to urgent rescues, demonstrating expertise that19 saves animals and informs conservation worldwide; and20 WHEREAS, Georgia Aquarium strives to make every experience welcoming and accessible21 and is designated as a Certified Autism Center and recognized a s KultureCity's Sensory22 Inclusive Venue of the Year; and23 WHEREAS, the aquarium also runs the Veterans Immersion Program—therapeutic dives for24 wounded and recovering veterans—now extended to children from Children's Healthcare of25 Atlanta and patients from Shepherd Center, creating restorative, unforgettable connections26 with marine life; and27 WHEREAS, as research and conservation experts, the aquarium and its partners conduct and28 apply cutting-edge science to advance knowledge of threatened s pecies, restore critical29 habitats, and turn evidence into action for healthier oceans and stronger ecosystems.30 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that31 the members of this body congratulate the Georgia Aquarium on t he occasion of its 20th32 anniversary and commend its enduring leadership in education, animal care, inclusion, and33 conservation; and that this work enriches the lives of Georgians and elevates Atlanta on the34 world stage.35 H. R. 1171 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0753 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized36 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the37 Georgia Aquarium.38 H. R. 1171 - 3 -