The proclamation reads: “On May 28, 1918, Azerbaiian declared its independence, establishing the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic which became the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world and was recognized by other democratic nations, including, the United States of America. During the short period of independence, Azerbaijan granted all people the right to vote, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and religion, becoming the first Muslim nation to grant women equal political rights with men, an accomplishment preceding the United States.” “Azerbaijan’s independence was interrupted in 1920 when it was invaded by Bolshevists and forcefully incorporated into the USSR in 1922, restoring its independence only in 1991. Over the last quarter century, the Republic of Azerbaijan has consolidated its sovereignty and independence and has become a staunch ally and strategic partner of the United States of America in the critically important Caspian region” “This year, during the centennial of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, millions of Azerbaijanis around the globe, including tens of thousands in the United States of America, observe May 28th as the National Day and remember the contributions of their forefathers to the spread of democracy in the regions of Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Now, therefore, I Henry McMaster, Governor of the great State of South Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 28, 2018, as Azerbaijan Democratic Republic Centennial Anniversary Day throughout the state and encourage all South Carolinians to join in extending congratulations and best wishes to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and Azerbaijanis across the country and around the world during this special celebration”