April 24, 1990

STATE OF MARYLAND

PROCLAMATION

From the Governor of Maryland, William Donald Schaefer

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
75TH ANNIVERSARY DAY
APRIL 24, 1990

WHEREAS, Maryland is a State blessed with citizens who proudly maintain a rich and vibrant ethnic diversity, and who work together in the spirit of friendship and cooperation to positively shape our future... and a shining example of a group of committed individuals who remain very active in our communities are our citizens of Armenian descent and heritage; and

WHEREAS, April 24th 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 75th 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 Armenians martyrs died are principles still held most sacred by the Armenian people, and Maryland shares in this solemn and necessary commemoration... as it is important that we always 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 a number of valuable ways - and as these immigrants have created records of which Americans and Armenian-Americans alike should truly cherish; and

WHEREAS, In this time of tremendous growth and introspection for oppressed peoples around the world, Maryland joins with our active Armenian-American community in encouraging harmony and peace for individuals and groups of all backgrounds and beliefs - and in supporting these efforts by respectfully reflecting upon a sobering chapter of human history.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MARYLALND, do hereby proclaim April 24, 1990 as DAY OF REMEBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE - 75th ANNIVERSARY DAY in Maryland, and do commend this observance to all of our citizens.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland, this 24th day of April One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety

(SIGNED)
William Donald Schaefer
Governor