I have heard for years complaints about “Why isn’t there a national aglet day?”. Well. Let’s get started on fixing that. First, make sure you go to Facebook and like the following page. Aglets, Aiglets, and Lace Tags. Also make sure to join the group Aglets, Aiglets, and Lace Tags Community.
I think, and these are just my thoughts and opinions, that we need to start small. Let’s get several states to do this and it will be, in two or three years, easier to apply for and get a national day proclaimed.
I have already requested and gotten a proclamation from Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin for a State “Aiglet Appreciation Day” on July 28th, 2021. I picked the day at random thinking it was late summer and kids might have time off to do something with parents. I have since seen several posts and comments that November 11th would be a much better day and I agree. Written as 11/11 it sort of looks like the ends of show laces.
At the bottom of this blog is a table with contact info for all of the states.
So let us start small with getting as many states, as possible to proclaim 11/11 as “Aglet Appreciation Day”. We will use the spelling that does not have the “i” in it so more kids will remember it (Thanks Phineas Flynn and Ferb Fletcher!)
Please note that if you are not a resident of the state in question, it will probably be denied.
Proclamations are referred to, by some states, as Ceremonial Documents and Declarations. Check your state website for the correct verbiage for your state and adjust your request accordingly.
Most proclamation requests will need to include proposed text, including four to six “Whereas” clauses.
You will be the contact person for the request so if you need help, feel free to message me for advice. Be sure to include your first and last name, telephone number, address, and the date by which you need your proclamation. Many requests will want extra background information about the event being announced. I like to think that if we take an educational view on the day we can have fun with it and get teachers and schools involved.
This is the text of my request from 2021.
Aiglet Appreciation Day is July 28!
My name is Gerald Livings. I am an independent researcher who has for most of the last decade been studying aiglets (aglets) and how they affect material culture worldwide and locally, in the far past as well as today.
You can see much of my research on my website https://www.livingstonjewelers.com/aiglets.html with links to videos and a paper that is being expanded into a book.
I am requesting a proclamation from Governor Evers that makes July 28th, 2021, the official Wisconsin “AIGLET APPRECIATION DAY”.
While this proclamation is only official in the State of Wisconsin, I do think that on July 28th, EVERYONE CAN CLAIM TO BE FROM WISCONSIN!
Now I hope you already know what aiglets are. But if you do not, look at your feet. There is a good chance you have some shoelaces on and if so, you are also wearing aiglets. They are the little things on the ends of the shoelaces that is keeping them from unraveling.
aiglets are used to finish the end of laces, thongs or cords.
Aiglets still are in use today in the 21st century where they are utilitarian as well as decorative elements on laces for shoes, corsets and other clothing:
Whereas aiglets have been an important part of material culture for thousands of years, I am planning to hold educational activities centered around learning about history, commerce, language, and material culture.
It has always been my belief that supporting educational activities is a critical strategy for our state, and all Nations to compete in the global economy and to develop healthy, vibrant communities where people want to live, work, learn, and play.
Help me spread the word about this very important day by approvoing my request..
Thank you. Gerald A. Livings
I am sure that there are much better writers out there than I am, if so, please share your writing here and keep us all updated on your progress.
These are the “Whereas” statements I submitted. You will need 4 to 6 of them for most states.
WHEREAS; aiglets are pieces of material, traditionally metal or plastic, used to finish the end of laces, ribbons, or cords; and
WHEREAS; aiglets have been an important part of material culture for thousands of years, and are still in use today, serving as both utilitarian and decorative elements on laces for shoes, corsets, and other items of clothing; and
WHEREAS; educational activities centered around aiglets, along with other aspects of material culture, can enrich the culture and creativity of all Wisconsinites by providing a means to learn about history, commerce, and language; and
WHEREAS; today, the state of Wisconsin joins all Wisconsinites in appreciating aiglets as often-overlooked items that we all use every day and that can help us build connections with one another;
Add more if you think of them.
Activities
What activities should we do? I think we should have several based on grade level and some adult activities as well.
I am happy to share all ideas and I will give you credit. I am hoping that the educators among us will have some ideas to get us all started.
Socializing will be a large part of the day, and geeking out over aglets in general I suspect will be universal. Various contests about aiglets, crafts, and art projects, And I suspect that we can have classes in tying shoe laces. We can share information about the history of aglets from the Anglo-Saxon era to today.
We need to share ideas.
Here is a copy of the proclamation that I received.
The following website “Build Your Future” (byf.org) has a great guide that seems only a little bit out of date. I pulled the data from a PDF on their website with the data we need to contact each state. It is not formatted well and I am sure some of the links do not work but it is a way for us to get started. Find the info for your state and go from there.
The table does not scroll side-to-side very well but it does scroll. I will add some styling to allow it to work better soon.
| State | Submit an electronic request form. | Required Notice | Electronic Request | Website | Include Sample Language |
| Alabama | Preferred Process | Please submit form no later than 30 days prior to date needed. | https://contact.governor.alaba ma.gov/contact_procs.aspx | http://governor.alabama.gov/ | Yes |
| Alaska | Submit electronic request form. | Please allow a minimum of 4-6 weeks advance notice | http://aws.state.ak.us/CrmForms/Home/WebRequest | http://gov.alaska.gov/ | Yes |
| Arizona | Submit electronic proclamation request form | At least six weeks before, no more than six months in advance. | http://azgovernor.gov/engage/form/proclamation-request | http://azgovernor.gov/ | Yes |
| Arkansas | Proclamation requests are accepted via electronic proclamation request form. | Please submit at least 30 days prior to the date needed | https://governor.arkansas.gov/o nline-services/proclamation- request/ | http://governor.arkansas.gov/ | Yes |
| California | Must be evaluated and sponsored by the state agency under which the proclamation topic falls. The agency works directly with the requestor to determine if the agency will sponsor the proclamation. Contact mcooper@nccer.org for help with filing this proclamation. | All requests must be submitted no later than 90 days prior to your requested deadline or event date, whichever comes first. | http://www.ca.gov/agencies | https://www.gov.ca.gov/ | Yes |
| Colorado | Submit electronic proclamation request form | At least 6 weeks notice | http://www.colorado.gov/govhdir/requests/proclamation.html | https://www.colorado.gov/governor/ | Yes |
| Connecticut | Email the governor name and contact information and organization. Governor.lamont@ct.gov | At least 4 weeks from the date and no more than 90 days | https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of- the-Governor/Contact/Request- a-proclamation | https://portal.ct.gov/governor/ | |
| Delaware | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Make requests three weeks in advance. Please allow 2 weeks for your request to be processed. | http://governor.delaware.gov/request-proclamation-tribute/ | http://governor.delaware.gov/ | Yes |
| Florida | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for the completion of the request and mailing. | http://www.flgov.com/proclamations/ | http://www.flgov.com/ | Yes |
| Georgia | Send completed paper proclamation form and include proclamation draft via fax or U.S. mail | Please submit at least 45 days prior to the date needed | https://gov.georgia.gov/webfor m/proclamation-request | http://gov.georgia.gov/governor | Yes |
| Guam | http://governor.guam.gov/ | ||||
| Hawaii | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Mimimum of 4 weeks prior to intended date, no more than 3 months ahead. | http://governor.hawaii.gov/forms/request-a-proclamation/ | http://governor.hawaii.gov/ | Yes |
| Idaho | Send completed proclamation form and complete proclamation draft via mail, email, or fax | At least 3 weeks prior to event | https://gov.idaho.gov/proclama tions/ | https://gov.idaho.gov/ | Yes |
| Illinois | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Requests are filled as they come so the earlier they are submitted the better. At least 3 – 4 weeks prior to event. | https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/ gov/contactus/Pages/Proclamat ion.aspx | https://www2.illinois.gov/agencies/GOV | Yes |
| Indiana | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Submit forms electronically 6-8 weeks prior to requested delivery date | http://www.in.gov/gov/2916.htm | http://www.in.gov/gov | Yes |
| Iowa | All requests must be submitted via the web form | Submit form electronically 6 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://governor.iowa.gov/cons tituent-services/proclamation- request | https://www.iowa.gov/ | Yes |
| Kansas | Submit electronic proclamation request form or mail request form. | Submit request 6-8 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://governor.kansas.gov/ser ving- kansans/constituent_services/pr oclamation-guidelines/ | https://governor.kansas.gov/ | Yes |
| Kentucky | Electronic Form Submission or mail to the governor’s office | Submit request 6-8 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://secure.kentucky.gov/for mservices/Governor/Proclamati onRequestForm | https://kentucky.gov/government/Pages /AgencyProfile.aspx?AgencyTitle=Govern or | Yes |
| Louisiana | Submit electronic proclamation request form | At least 14 business days in advance, but no more than 90 days. | http://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/form/home/13 | http://gov.louisiana.gov/ | Yes |
| Maine | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Must be submitted at least 45 days in advance | https://www.maine.gov/governor/lepage/contact/proclamatio n-request-form.html | https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/ | Yes |
| Maryland | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Submit requests at least 8 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://governor.maryland.gov/ mail/citations.asp | http://governor.maryland.gov/ | Yes |
| Massachussetts | please email your request, along with suggested language and background materials to constituent.services@state.ma.us, by fax 617-727-9725, by U.S. Mail to Governor Charlie Baker, State House, Boston, MA 02133, or call 617-725-4005 to speak with a member of the Governor’s staff. | Submit requests at least 20 business days before the event. Please note the Governor does not issue proclamations more than thirty days in advance. | http://www.mass.gov/governor /constituent- services/recognition/#proclama tion | http://www.mass.gov/governor/ | Yes |
| Michigan | To submit a proclamation or program book welcome letter request, please send a detailed e-mail to tributes@michigan.gov . | Submit request at least 4 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/0,9309,7-387- 90499_90639—,00.html | https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/ | Yes |
| Minnesota | The preferred form of submission is via e-mail Mail, hand deliver, or Email the form to: proclamations.gov@state.mn.us | Submit at least 20 calendar days in advance of the date it is needed | https://mn.gov/governor/news/ proclamations.jsp | http://mn.gov/governor/ | Yes |
| Mississippi | Much must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, contact Governor Bryant’s office at (601) 359-3150. | 4 weeks notice | https://www.governorbryant.m s.gov/Pages/Proclamations.aspx | http://www.governorbryant.ms.gov/Pag es/default.aspx | Yes |
| Missouri | Send in a contact form to request proclamation. | You may place your request up to 3 months in advance of the event/occasion date. | https://governor.mo.gov/conta ct-us | https://governor.mo.gov/ | Yes |
| Montana | The governor’s offie does not issue proclamations, rather they issue “Letters of Support” via email or by U.S. mail. | Please submit requests at least 2 weeks in advance | https://governor.mt.gov/Home/ Contact | http://governor.mt.gov | Yes |
| Nebraska | Submit electronic proclamation request form | At least 30 days prior, no more than six months. | https://governor.nebraska.gov/ proclamation-request | http://www.nebraska.gov/ | Yes |
| Nevada | Submit electronic proclamation request form online or by fax or mail. | Submit request at least 30 in advance. | http://gov.nv.gov/Contact/Request_a_Proclamation/ | http://gov.nv.gov/ | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Submit online request form. | Submit request at least 2 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://new- hampshire.secure.force.com/su pport/GOV_Proclamation | http://www.governor.nh.gov/ | Yes |
| New Jersey | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Submit request 6-8 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://nj.gov/governor/contact /proclamations/ | http://nj.gov/governor/ | Yes |
| New Mexico | Fill out the “Need Assisstance from the Governor” form on the Governor’s website. Or call the Governor’s office to request a proclamation. | Requests will be accepted no more than 6 months in advance and will not be issued more than 3 months in advance of the event. | https://www.governor.state.nm .us/contact-the-governor/need- assistance-from-the-governor/ | https://www.governor.state.nm.us/ | Yes |
| New York | Submit requests in writing via U.S. mail or fax | Submit request at least 4 weeks prior to requested delivery date | http://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form | http://www.governor.ny.gov/ | Yes |
| North Carolina | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Submit no less than six weeks and no more than six months in advance. | https://governor.nc.gov/submit- request/request- proclamation/proclamation- request-form | http://governor.nc.gov/ | Yes |
| North Dakota | Email detailed request and attach sample language | Submit request 6-8 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://www.governor.nd.gov/contact-us | https://www.governor.nd.gov/ | Yes |
| Ohio | Email detailed requst and attach sample language | Submit request at least 30 days prior to requested delivery date. | https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/ portal/gov/governor/contact | http://www.governor.ohio.gov | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Email proclamation request, fill out contact us form asking for proclamation., or call Governor’s office. | All requests should be made at least 30 days in advance. If you have questions, please call (405) 521-2342. | https://www.ok.gov/triton/contact.php?ac=347&id=322 | http://www.ok.gov/governor/ | Yes |
| Oregon | Please send the filled out proclamation template (found on website) via e-mail to: gov.proclamations@oregon.gov | All proclamations must be submitted with at least a 30-day notice to allow for the approval process and the production of the document itself. | http://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/Proclamation-Request- Guidelines.aspx | http://www.oregon.gov/gov/ | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Please send detailed email request | Submit request 6-8 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://www.governor.pa.gov/contact/ | https://www.governor.pa.gov/governor-tom-wolf/ | Yes |
| Puerto Rico | Application must be submitted in writing with proof that the proclamation would benefit the Puerto Rican people. | Application must be submitted at least 60 working days prior. | https://estado.pr.gov/en/procla mations/ | https://www.fortaleza.pr.gov/ | |
| Rhode Island | Please send requests via e-mail or fax | Submit request at least 45 days prior to requested delivery date | http://www.governor.ri.gov/contact/ | http://www.governor.ri.gov/ | Yes |
| South Carolina | All proclamation requests must be submitted in writing via e-mail, mail, or fax. | Please submit your request 30 days in advance. | https://iqconnect.lmhostediq.c om/iqextranet/EForm.aspx? ci d=FSL_SC_GOV& fid=100039 | https://governor.sc.gov/ | Yes |
| South Dakota | Fill proclamation template on website and email to govproclamation@state.sd.us | Submit a written request via online contact page (choose “I need assistance” from the list), fax or U.S. mail | http://sd.gov/governor/contact /proclamations.aspx | http://sd.gov/governor/contact/contact .aspx | Yes |
| Tennessee | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Allow for 2-3 weeks of processing. | https://www.tn.gov/governor/contact-us/proclamation- request.html | https://www.tn.gov/governor/about-bill-lee.html | Yes |
| Texas | Submit a written request via online contact page (choose “I need assistance” from list), fax or U.S. mail | Please submit your request 8 weeks in advance. | http://governor.state.tx.us/contact/ | http://gov.texas.gov/ | Yes |
| Utah | Submit electronic declaration request form | n/a or as soon as possible | https://gocentral.utah.gov/Req uest/Declarations | http://www.utah.gov/governor/ | Yes |
| Vermont | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Please submit your request 4-6 weeks in advance. | http://governor.vermont.gov/proclamation-request | http://governor.vermont.gov | Yes |
| Viginia | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Please submit your request at least 45 days in advance. | https://www.governor.virginia.gov/constituent- services/request-a- proclamation/ | http://www.governor.virginia.gov | Yes |
| Virgin Islands | Please submit your request 21 business days in advance. | Please submit your request at least 4-6 weeks in advance. | https://www.vi.gov/contact/ | www.vi.gov | |
| Washington | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Please submit your request at least 30 days in advance. | http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/requests-invites/request- ceremonial-proclamation- greeting-or-letter/request- ceremonial | http://www.governor.wa.gov/office-governor/office | Yes |
| West Virginia | Submit electronic proclamation request form | Please submit your request at least 30 days in advance. | http://www.governor.wv.gov/Pages/request_proclamation.aspx | http://www.governor.wv.gov | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Please send detailed email request | Please submit your request 4 weeks in advance. | https://appengine.egov.com/ap ps/wi/Governor/contact | http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us | Yes |
| Wyoming | Call or email the Governor’s office. | Submit request at least 2-4 weeks prior to requested delivery date | https://governor.wyo.gov/conta ct | http://governor.wyo.gov/ | Yes |
