April 24, 1990

STATE OF WISCONSIN

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the Armenians are of ancient descent, whose history dates back over three thousand years, beginning in their homeland at the heart of which stands the Biblical Mount Ararat; and

WHEREAS, Armenians have been torchbearers of the democratic way of life and Western culture since their adoption of Christianity as their national religion in 301 A.D.; and

WHEREAS, few nations have had to make as great a sacrifice to maintain the ideals of a democratic way of life and their human right to their principles and national existence, as have the Armenians; and

WHEREAS, we mourn the more than one and one-half million innocent men, women and children who fell victim to the atrocities during the period from 1915 to 1923; and

WHEREAS, Americans of Armenian ancestry have contributed significantly to the enrichment of our nation and state in the fields of education, science, literature, parts, economics, and government;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TOMMY G. THOMPSON, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim April 24, 1990

ARMENIAN MARTYRS' DAY

in the State of Wisconsin, and commend this observance to the people of this State.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Madison this twenty-fourth day of April in the year one thousand nine hundred ninety.

(SIGNED)
TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Governor

(SIGNED)
DOUGLAS LA FOLLETTE
Secretary of State