Whereas country music, a uniquely American sound, echoes from the backroads of the United States to the streets of Nashville, Tennessee;

Whereas Bristol, straddling the Tennessee and Virginia State line, is recognized as the birthplace of country music;

Whereas the Grand Ole Opry, the most famous stage in country music, has been called the home of American music;

Whereas the Ryman Auditorium, the original home of the Grand Ole Opry, has been described as the Mother Church of country music;

Whereas country music reminds every American of the importance of faith, family, freedom, hope, opportunity, and patriotism;

Whereas country music has influenced numerous other genres of music;

Whereas country music is an incredibly diverse genre, appealing to Americans from all walks of life;

Whereas country music has millions of fans all across the United States;

Whereas the country music industry contributes billions of dollars in revenue each year to the economy of the United States;

Whereas the Country Music Association first celebrated National Country Music Month in 1964; and

Whereas President Nixon issued a presidential proclamation in 1970 to acknowledge October as National Country Music Month: Now, therefore, be it