April 9, 2001

Resolution declaring April 24th, 2001, Armneian Genocide Commemoration Day in San Francisco

WHEREAS, In 1915 the Ottoman Turkish government initiated a prolonged and brutal coampaign of terror and mass execution that caused the deaths of more than 2.5 million men, women, and children of Armenian heritage from 1915 to 1922, and the forced deportation of hundreds of thousands of survivors, many of whom settled in San Francisco; and

WHEREAS, Despite the overwhelming proof that this attempted annihilation of the Armenian poeple was the result of governmental policy and genocidal intent, the Republic of Turkey has persisted to this day in denying that the Armneian Genocide occured; and

WHEREAS, San Francisco is proud to join its Armenian-American community in its commemoration of the 86th anniverary of the Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the 20th century; and

WHEREAS, By joining our voices in one refrain we can help ensure that the Armenian Genocide is included in all historical accounts to guard against the occurrence of genocide in the future; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the San [Francisco] Board of Supervisorsy does hereby delcare April 24th[,] 2001 Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day in San Francisco; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will send a letter urging President George W. Bush to recognize the Armenian Genocide.