April 2, 1987

Executive Department

State of California

A Proclamation
by the Governor of the State of California

WHEREAS, the Armenian Genocide of 1915 brutally claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenians and maimed the hearts of those who survived; and

WHEREAS, while the Ottoman Turks inhumanely massacred many Armenian men, women and children, they did not break the soul or dull the spirit of the Armenian people who are reminded each hopeful spring of the dark but vivid lessons of history; and

WHEREAS, people everywhere should formally acknowledge this tragedy and learn the important lesson that if bigotry and discrimination are to be replaced by fellowship and equality, and if mankind is to achieve the fullness of its greatest hopes and dreams, then each of us must contribute to the work of ensuring that such atrocities are not allowed to be repeated; and

WHEREAS, freedom loving people throughout the world should gather together and speak the truth on behalf of those whose voices have long been stilled so that our children may live in a world free from terror and indignation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with Assembly Concurrent Resolution 51 (1981), do hereby proclaim April 24, 1987 as a State Day of Remembrance and have ordered the flags over the State Capitol to be flown at half mast and urge civilized people throughout the world to join in this observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 2nd day of April 1987.

(Signed)
George Deukmejian

Governor of California

Attest:
(Signed)

Secretary of State