Mayoral Recognition

In 1998, Bradford "Lee" Lewis, Esperantist and Computer Support Analyst for the General Administrative Offices of the City of Orlando, was inspired by Proclamations issued over the years by various Mayors of prominent cities throughout the United States. He coordinated with Christine Martin, a long time Mayor's Aide, and succeeded in getting Mayor Glenda Hood to issue this official Proclamation recognizing Esperanto and "International Friendship Week". Mayor Hood later left her position to become the Florida Secretary of State, working with Governor Jeb Bush.

Lee Lewis moved to St. Louis in June 2000 and became a member of the Esperanto Association of St. Louis, becoming Club Secretary in 2005; Chris Martin is now Director of Administration for the "First Orlando Foundation" in Orlando, Florida; and Secretary of State Glenda Hood resigned her position in 2005.

-- December 2005