It it's just really a lot of fun.

So I hope that everyone can make it.

And if you can't make it, please look at our website.

The library puts on a number of programs in partnership with the Black History Museum almost every single month where we continue to tell our story.

So with that, there has been a motion and a second.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

All right.

The ayes have it, and the proclamation passes.

Madam Clerk, next item.

Presentation of a proclamation recognizing September as National Preparedness Month.

Okay, and I have asked Councilwoman Marks to read this proclamation.

If you are joining us for National Preparedness Month, please come to the front.

Good morning.

Good morning.

As a member of the CCC, I am along with Councilwoman Green.

I am very proud to read this proclamation to you.

Whereas September 18th is National Preparedness Month, NPM.

After the terrorist attacks that took place 25 years ago, NPM was established to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families, and their communities safe.

And whereas the City of Alexandria joins its local, regional, state, and federal partners in recognizing this month and reminding the community of the importance of being prepared for emergencies.

And whereas the City of Alexandria is at risk for a variety of threats, including severe weather, coastal and inland flooding, extreme heat and cold, winter storms, acts of terrorism, transportation incidents, and other hazards.

And whereas the City of Alexandria Office of Emergency Management provides resources and information to help all Alexandrians prepare for the threats and hazards most likely to impact our community.

And whereas preparing for emergency requires a few steps.

Knowing your risks, having a plan, building a kit, staying informed, and getting involved.

Taking the time now to work on completing those steps will help you better prepare for whatever emergencies impact the city.

Now, therefore, I, Sandy Marks, on behalf of Aliyah Gaskins, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the Alexandria City Council, recognize September 26th or September 2026 as National Preparedness Month in the City of Alexandria.

And the Office of Emergency Management, OEM, urges all Alexandria residents and businesses to take steps now to prepare for emergencies that could impact the community.

Visit the OEM website, Alexandria VA.gov slash emergency management for more information and resources.

In witness whereof, I have hereon to set my hand and cause the seal of the city of Alexandria to be a fixed this 19th day of September 2026.

Mark, would you like to say a few words on behalf of yourself and your office and perhaps the committee?

Sure.

Good morning, everyone.

Thank you, Madam Mayor, members of council for this proclamation.

Couldn't have said it better than the councilwoman said, but just a reminder to folks to visit our website, Alexandria BA.gov backslash emergency management.

Great resources and information on being prepared.

This being the 25th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks in 2001.

It's more important than ever as a nation that we be prepared.

And I'll also want to invite all of you next Saturday to join us at Chinkapin Park from 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

for tons of trucks.

It's a very big event in the city.

And this year being the 10th anniversary of that event, there will be a host of different special vehicles for you to check out and learn about emergency preparedness and ways to get involved and volunteer to help serve your community.

So I hope to see you all there.

Thank you all.

And Mark, I would like to thank you and your teams for as I like to say, uh thinking through and preparing for the worst case scenario so that the rest of us can sleep.

Uh so we appreciate you.

And with that, Madam Mayor, I uh move the proclamation.

Okay.

There has been a motion by Councilwoman Marks and a second by Councilwoman Green to move the proclamation, recognizing September as National Preparedness Month.

Is there any further discussion?

Um I would just echo my thanks to Mark and your amazing staff as well as all of our emergency management professionals from police to fire and our um even volunteer teams who help us prepare.

And would just reiterate there are not only resources on the website um in terms of how you can build an emergency preparedness plan for you and your family, there are also trainings and other opportunities that you can sign up for and even ways that if you're interested in volunteering that you can join our reserve corps and really help us um become a more resilient community.

With that, there has been a motion by Councilman Marks and a second by Councilman Green.

All those in favor say aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

All right, the ayes have it, and the proclamation passes.

All right, Madam Clerk, next item.

Presentation of a proclamation proclaiming September 19th as Mayor's Cup Rugby Players Day.