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In February 1996, Massachusetts Governor William F. Weld issued a proclamation recognizing the life and contributions of Dr. Lamar Soutter. The text of the proclamation follows:

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

[Massachusetts State Seal]

A Proclamation

By His Excellency

GOVERNOR WILLIAM F. WELD

1996

WHEREAS:	Born in Boston in 1909, Lamar Soutter followed in his father's footsteps and became a surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital; and
WHEREAS:	Dr. Soutter's contributions to the Commonwealth's medical community and generations of Massachusetts citizens have been far-reaching and extraordinary; and
WHEREAS:	During the 1940s, recognizing the urgent need for blood supplies in area hospitals, Dr. Soutter founded the first blood banks in Massachusetts at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Soldiers' Home in Chelsea; and
WHEREAS:	During World War II, Dr. Soutter served his country with distinction as a surgeon in field hospitals in France, where he was awarded three battle stars and one silver star for heroism at Bastogne; and
WHEREAS:	Dr. Soutter played a crucial role in helping to meet the Commonwealth's health care needs by securing the creation of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester in 1962; and
WHEREAS:	For the past thirty-four years, this important institution has awarded more than 1,800 Doctor of Medicine degrees, earning a reputation for its exceptional preparation of primary care physicians and recently ranking fifth in this area among the nation's 126 medical schools; and
WHEREAS:	The Lamar Soutter Medical Library at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, a fitting tribute to the school's founder, provides vital medical and research data to over 400,000 medical professionals each year--more than any other medical library in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS:	It is appropriate that all Massachusetts citizens recognize the outstanding contributions of Lamar Soutter, M.D., as a surgeon, teacher, dean, administrator, husband, and father;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM F. WELD, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby honor and commend

LAMAR SOUTTER, M.D.

and urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this fine individual.

By His Excellency the Governor

[Secretary's Signature]

WILLIAM F. GALVIN
Secretary of the Commonwealth

GOD SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

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See an image of this Proclamation.