Kahn pirate eye patch.jpg

State Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw, wears an eye patch as he addresses fellow senators Tuesday, June 4, after approval of a resolution acknowledging Sept. 19 as "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" in Michigan.

(Courtesy | Michigan Senate Democrats)

SAGINAW, MI — State Sen. Roger Kahn donned an eye patch as Michigan adopted a resolution officially acknowledging International Talk Like a Pirate Day in the state.

The increasingly popular holiday, celebrated annually on Sept. 19, gained wide exposure 11 years ago when promoted by syndicated humor columnist Dave Barry. It was originally an inside joke between friends John Baur and Mark Summers, who wrote Barry a letter in 2002 about their new holiday.

Kahn, R-Saginaw Township, took the podium June 4 with one eye covered by a black eye patch to talk about the resolution adopted by the State Senate.

"Thank you, matey," he said in a raspy voice. "I'd like to take note that this is an international holiday, and it has grown globally since 2002. It's time, and now recognized, that the state of Michigan acknowledges this holiday and grants it the recognition it truly deserves."

As a Great Lakes state, Kahn said Michigan should support worthy maritime initiatives, "of which this, of course, is one."

Kahn was the primary sponsor of the resolution. Lending support were Sens.

Jack Brandenburg, R-Harrison Township, Hoon-Yung Hopgood, D-Taylor, and James Marleau, R-Lake Orion.

Watch the video of Kahn's remarks, embedded from the Michigan Senate Democrats YouTube channel:

The full text of Kahn's resolution:

A resolution to express support for the state of Michigan officially recognizing September 19, 2013, as International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Whereas, International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLPD) began humbly in 1995 between two pirate enthusiasts named John Baur and Mark Summers as a way to express their individual passion for nautical plundering. In 2002, the two friends

contacted renowned comedian and author Dave Barry about their holiday creation. Immediately drawn to the idea, Barry used his popularity to promote ITLPD. With his backing, as well as through social media sites like Facebook (where ITLPD has over 76,000 likes), the holiday has grown into a globallyrecognized celebration of pirate jargon; and

Whereas, As ITLPD has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon, it is appropriate for the state of Michigan to formally acknowledge this holiday and grant it the recognition it truly deserves. As a Great Lakes state, one of Michigan’s main duties must be promoting worthy maritime initiatives. ITLPD would give Michiganders who feel a strong connection to our Great Lakes an opportunity to properly celebrate beloved maritime activities, past and present; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby express support for the state of Michigan officially recognizing September 19, 2013, as International Talk Like a Pirate Day; and be it further;

Resolved, That copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the Office of Michigan Attorney General, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.Senators Brandenburg, Hopgood and Marleau were named co-sponsors of the resolution.