MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Governor Robert Bentley and Secretary of
State John H. Merrill will commemorate the first Alabama International Adoption
Celebration on Thursday, January 29, 2015 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Old House
Chamber of the Alabama State Capitol. Alabama families, who have gone through
the process of adopting children from other countries from January 1 through
December 31, 2014, will be recognized for their philanthropy and love.
Secretary of
State Merrill recognized that his office is integral in the process that allows
numerous adoptions to take place internationally. Hundreds of Alabama citizens
decide to offer their homes, and increase their families by adopting from
countries that are party to the Hague Convention and beyond. These countries
require specific documentation that must be authenticated or certified by the
Alabama Secretary of State’s Office before granting adoptions of their
children.
“I am excited that Governor Bentley agrees it is time to
recognize these families who provide unselfish love and kindness to foreign
children and who don’t mind being recognized,” stated Secretary of State John
Merrill. “These children can benefit greatly in Alabama, with the type of
parents who have already gone through so much effort to bring them home.” This
special event will recognize the wide diversity of Alabama’s families with international
children coming to the United States.
Secretary
Merrill and Governor Bentley will both provide remarks at the celebration, and each
family will receive a special certificate of recognition. Families will also have
their photo made with the Governor and Secretary.
For more information about the services provided at the
Alabama Secretary of State’s Office visit www.sos.alabama.gov.
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