Maryland Marks American Indian Heritage Day

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland is honoring the history and culture of the state's American Indian community.

Gov. Martin O'Malley proclaimed Friday as American Indian Heritage Day in Maryland. The governor said in a statement that it is fitting to "recognize the enormous contributions the First Americans have made to Maryland's culture, heritage and shared prosperity, from the birth of our colony to the present day."

The Maryland General Assembly approved House Bill 83 in 2008 making the fourth Friday of November a legal holiday to acknowledge the proud history of American Indians in Maryland. The designation runs in conjunction with the national designation of the Friday after Thanksgiving as a day to pay tribute to Native Americans.

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