<p> We are here today to pay honor to and celebrate the outstanding career of Jimmy T. Ritchie; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ritchie is retiring from the United States Postal Service and is being awarded this recognition as a testimonial of loyal and dedicated service for the past 41 years; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ritchie’s dedicated interest and devotion to duty has had a valuable effect on the efficiency and morale of his co-workers, and we wish to extend to him our sincere appreciation for his outstanding performance of duty; and WHEREAS, during Mr. Ritchie’s tenure at the USPS, he saw a huge population growth in Mesquite – from 41,328 citizens in 1965 to 136,750 citizens today; and WHEREAS, Mr. Ritchie served two years in the United States Army in Korea, has received two “Million Mile Awards” for safe driving, accumulated over 3,200 hours of sick leave and has been on the same walking route in Mesquite for 41 years. WHEREAS, Mr. Ritchie’s retirement plans include shopping and working on his extensive album collection. His loving family includes his dear wife, Emma Lee, two daughters, Ann and Linda, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one more on the way! NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Paschall, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Mesquite, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 1, 2007, as: “JIMMY RITCHIE DAY” in the City of Mesquite, and urge all citizens to join with us as we extend our sincere appreciation for his work and wish him well in his future endeavors. PROCLAIMED this 1st day of November 2007.</p>