Mayors from towns and cities across the country, at the request of the Academy of American Poets, have issued official proclamations in support of National Poetry Month. Proclamations have been received from the mayors of New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tucson, and Washington, D.C.

Anyone can ask his or her mayor for a proclamation in support of National Poetry Month. Simply write a letter to your mayor with your request and enclose a sample proclamation. If you receive a proclamation from your mayor, make sure to alert your local newspapers and radio stations, and if possible display the proclamation at a poetry reading or other event in April. Also, don't forget to let the Academy know so that we can include your proclamation in our gallery below.

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH 2005

WHEREAS, the Academy of American Poets established the month of April as National Poetry Month in 1996; and

WHEREAS, National Poetry Month seeks to highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets; introduce Americans to the pleasures and benefits of reading poetry; bring poets and poetry to the public in immediate and innovative ways; make poetry an important part of our children's education; and

WHEREAS, as National Poetry Month, under the leadership and direction of the Academy of American Poets, is now the largest literary celebration in the world; and

WHEREAS, poetry enhances and enriches the lives of all Americans; and

WHEREAS, poetry, as an essential part of the arts and humanities, affects every aspect of life in America today, including education, the economy, and community pride and development; and

WHEREAS, poetry has produced some of the nation's leading creative artists and has inspired other artists in fields such as music, theatre, film, dance, and the visual arts; and

Now, therefore, I [Mayor's Name], Mayor of [City], do hereby proclaim April 1 through April 30, 2005, as the 10th annual National Poetry Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of [City]to observe this month, to celebrate the cultural riches our community has to offer, and to recognize the important role poetry in creating and sustaining this great nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this [ ] day of [], in the year 2005.

[Signature]

The Academy of American Poets was honored in 1996 when President Bill Clinton sent us the following letter: