Governor's Weekly Message

Press Release

In his weekly message Governor Markell focuses on former Governor Russ Peterson and community treasure Muriel Gilman, who spent decades of their own lives in service to others. They passed away within days of one another.

"In their long lives, neither Russ nor Muriel ever stopped working, caring or inspiring the people around them," said Governor Jack Markell. "Generations of Delawareans have lived happier, healthier lives because of these two leaders who made a difference for Delaware. Generations to come will grow up in a Delaware made stronger from their service."

"Russ was elected Governor, served as an advisor to Presidents and led national organizations like the Audubon Society as part of a life that made him one of our nation's great environmental heroes. He remained a powerful public force even decades after leaving office and a reminder that history is most kind to those that most honor their conscience," said the Governor.

"Though so many knew her so well, Muriel and her brilliant smile never sought the spotlight, preferring instead to let it shine on the causes she cared so passionately about, including her commitment to Delaware children, her beloved United Way and the dozens of organizations whose vital work it funds," said the Governor.

They both knew the power that one person can have to improve the world around them, particularly when one person's courage, conviction, honesty and optimism can move others to take action.

"They knew that volunteering -- that giving yourself over, in a spirit of service and sacrifice- is in the end no sacrifice at all. That, in sharing yourself, you strengthen yourself -- that by giving, you gain -- that a life is more rich in meaning and purpose when it helps to make better the lives around you," said the Governor.

To many in Delaware, they were dear friends. To many more, heroes. They certainly didn't think of themselves that way even in the closing days of their lives. They remained simply open to the next opportunity to help. They shaped Delaware history. They made so much of the best of Delaware's present possible.

"I hope we can keep their spirits alive by acting in their memory the same way they acted for us--remaining open to the opportunity to help each other and keeping focused on moving our great state forward, together," said the Governor.

At noon every Friday, a new video message is posted to the Governor's website and YouTube channel and is distributed to Delaware media outlets. Transcripts of the messages are posted and the audio version of the Governor's message is available on iTunes as a podcast for distribution to personal MP3 players and home computers. The Governor's weekly message is currently being carried on the air and posted on websites by various media outlets, and the direct link is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YbkeyyWRQU.

Constituents, media outlets and others are free to link to the Governor 's video message on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/GovernorMarkell - or on his Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/governormarkell - or on the Delaware State website at http://governor.delaware.gov/information/podcast_video.shtml. All are also invited to follow him on Twitter -- http://www.twitter.com/governormarkell - and submit ideas through http://ideas.delaware.gov.

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