April 19, 2001

House Resolution No. 58.

"Michigan Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide FOR the purpose of remembering the Armenian Genocide, and designating April 24 as "Michigan Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923."

Whereas, One and one-half million men, women, and children of Armenian descent were victims of the brutal genocide perpetrated by the Turkish Ottoman Empire from 1915-1923; and

Whereas, The Armenian genocide and massacres of the Armenian people represented a deliberate attempt to eliminate all traces of a thriving and noble civilization over 3,000 years old. To this day, the Armenian people have not received reparations for their losses; and

Whereas, Revisionists still inexplicably deny the existence of these horrific events. Modern Turkey continues to deny and distort the facts of the Armenian genocide and honors the perpetrators of that crime against humanity as national heroes; and

Whereas, Prior to the invasion of Poland in 1939, Adolf Hitler, the German Nazi dictator, seeking to dispel fears among his military command regarding the world's response to his genocidal plans, asked "Who, after all, today speaks of the Armenians?"; and

Whereas, Residents of Michigan are highly sensitive to the need for consistently remembering and openly condemning the crimes committed against any culture of people to prevent similar atrocities in the future. Recognition of the 86th anniversary of this genocide is crucial to ensure against the repetition of future genocides and educating people about the atrocities connected to this horrific event; and

Whereas, Armenia is now a free and independent republic, having embraced democracy following nearly 70 years of oppressive Soviet domination; and

Whereas, Armenian-Americans living in Michigan have greatly enriched our state through their leadership in business, agriculture, academia, government, and the arts; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body designate April 24 each year as "Michigan Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923"; and be it further

Resolved, That this legislative body encourages our Michigan public schools to develop programs similar to those already established in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York that focus on human rights, with specific attention given to the Armenian genocide; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of the resolution be transmitted to the Armenian Assembly of America in Washington, DC.

Read information about the resolution from the official Michigan Legislature web site