According to the resolution, the initiative was introduced "to educate U.S. citizens about the health benefits of watermelon and other fruits and vegetables."
"According to the January 2006 statistics compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States produces 4.2 billion pounds (1.9 million metric tons) of watermelons annually," the resolution says.
Watermelons are grown in 49 of 50 of states in the U.S. and exported to Canada.
The fruit contains no fat or cholesterol and is rich in vitamins A, B6, C, fiber, and potassium. It is a source of lycopene, an antioxidant found only in a few red fruits, which reduce the risk of cancer.
Mark Twain, a well-known U.S. writer said: "When one has tasted watermelon he knows what the angels eat."
