Mayor proclaims March 21 World Down Syndrome Day; resident urges "inclusion starts with intention"

Mayor Robert Morgan read a proclamation on March 16 declaring March 21, 2026, World Down Syndrome Day in Beatatric and called on residents to support the days theme, "Together Against Loneliness." The proclamation framed inclusion as both a civic and personal responsibility.

Monty Merkel, who introduced Holly as an example of local participation, told the council inclusion "starts with intention," and asked the audience to consider where the city can "make space" in schools, workplaces and community groups. Merkel described increased public visibility of people with Down syndrome in recent decades and noted local participation on advisory boards and in Special Olympics Beatatric.

The brief presentation concluded with a plaque and photos. Mayor Morgan and council members thanked Merkel and the advocacy group for the proclamation and the recognition.

The council took no formal action beyond the ceremonial proclamation; the item concluded with the scheduled photo opportunity and the meeting moved to a check presentation and the audit report.