April 24, 1987

THE STATE OF MARYLAND

PROCLAMATION
FROM THE
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

APRIL 24, 1987

WHEREAS, The glory and the promise of the State of Maryland and our entire nation has rested in the minds and in the visions of all of our people... and included in this group are our proud citizens of Armenian descent and heritage; and

WHEREAS, April 24, is a sad day of remembrance for not only those of Armenian ancestry but for all who strive to value and uphold human rights and who oppose genocide... as today marks the 72nd Anniversary of the brutal massacre of 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children living in the Turkish Ottoman Empire; and

WHEREAS, The rights of free conscience and free worship for which the Armenian martyrs died are principles still held most sacred by the Armenian people, and Maryland is honored to join in this solemn and necessary commemoration; and

WHEREAS, It is also important to remember and pay tribute to a scattered people who, once they found a new home in the United States, have gone on to make significant contributions in our communities in a number of valuable ways... and these immigrants have created records of which all Americans and all Armenian-Americans should truly cherish.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim April 24, 1987 as DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE in Maryland, and do commend this observance to all citizens.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland this 24th Day of April One Thousand Nine Hundred and Eighty-seven

(SIGNED)
William Donald Schaefer
Governor

(SIGNED)
Secretary of State