SR695: SR695 Georgia Aquarium; commend

26 LC 129 0644 Senate Resolution 695 By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Echols of the 49th, Orrock of the 36th, Walker III of the 20th, Parent of the 44th 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 and 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 S. R. 695 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0644 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 SENATE that the members of this body31 congratulate the Georgia Aquarium on the occasion of its 20th anniversary and commend its32 enduring leadership in education, animal care, inclusion, and conservation.33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed34 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Georgia35 Aquarium.36 S. R. 695 - 2 -