Gov. Mills signs law designating Jan. 6 as 'day to remember'
Jun. 2—AUGUSTA — Gov. Janet Mills has signed a new law creating an annual "day to remember" honoring democracy on the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021 attacks on the U.S. Capitol.
The law, signed Thursday, will require the governor to issue a proclamation each year on the date "honoring the resilience of democracy" and encouraging people to use the day to reflect "on the values of democracy, civic responsibility and the importance of protecting constitutional governance."
The annual proclamation would also encourage educational institutions and libraries to observe the day with discussions, events and programming to educate people about the importance of civic engagement and the rule of law.
Mills condemned the Jan. 6 attacks at the time, saying that leaders across the country should denounce the violence and defend democracy, and that all Americans should work to restore honor and decency.
Ben Goodman, a spokesperson for Mills, said Monday that she signed the new law "to honor the courage and sacrifice of law enforcement — particularly the Capitol Police, some of whom lost their lives due to the events of that day — and to remind Maine people that American democracy and the rule of law — which she strongly champions — is fragile and must be protected."
Brian Sicknick, a U.S. Capitol Police officer, died after being assaulted and collapsing during the attacks. Four other police officers who responded to the attacks died by suicide in the following weeks.
The law was sponsored by Rep. Rafael Macias, D-Topsham, who said last month that he brought it forward as a way of preserving the truth about what happened during the attacks perpetuated by Donald Trump's supporters after he lost the 2020 presidential election.
"Jan. 6, 2021, is a day I will never forget," Macias said during a floor debate in the House of Representatives. "I'm so glad it will be remembered for what it was — a rebuffed coup attempt that was completed four years later. We should write down how it really happened, otherwise it will be remembered how (rioters) want our descendants to believe it. This bill puts that day on the record."
The bill generated heated debate in the House before being approved 74-65. Republicans argued the proposal was only fueling division and presenting a one-sided narrative around the events of Jan. 6 while Democrats said the day of remembrance is important for documenting history.
It later received final approval by a 19-14 margin in the Senate.
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