MONTGOMERY– 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.
Secretary of State John H. Merrill
“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.
MEDIA RELEASE/ALABAMA SECRETARY OF STATE/JOHN MERRILL
