April 17, 2001

City of Glendale's proclamation

Whereas, the Ottoman Empire initiated an eight-year program of terror and mass execution beginning in 1915 that resulted in the deaths of more than 1.5 million men, women and children of Armenian heritage; and

Whereas, we must be vigilant in our efforts to ensure that such atrocities are never again forced by one people upon another; and

Whereas, through courses and symposiums offered at educational institutions nationwide, citizens are learning more about the causes and effects of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the ramification of this sad episode in history on today's society and generations of people and families of Armenian ancestry; and

Whereas, this year marks the 86th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and once again we have an opportunity to recall this tragedy and rededicate ourselves to ensure that no act of such horrible magnitude will ever occur again;

Now, therefore, I, Gus Gomez, Mayor of the City of Glendale proclaim April 23-29, 2001, as a week of remembrance of the 86th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and urge all citizens of Glendale to join in activities being held statewide to commemorate this solemn observance; and

Be It Further Resolved, that the American Flag shall be flown at half-staff on April 24, 2001, at all City facilities in recognition of this Day of Remembrance and in memory of those who died in the Armenian Genocide.