April 16, 1991

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

A PROCLAMATION by the Governor of the State of California

WHEREAS, in 1915, the Ottoman Turkish Empire initiated an eight-year reign of terror against the Armenian people ultimately resulting in the massacre of 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children; and

WHEREAS, the Ottoman Empire was clear in its intent to annihilate the Armenian race with a campaign of forced deportation and massacre; and

WHEREAS, while this evil was witnessed and documented by international officials, only recently has it been recognized in the annals of history and learned by students through Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Studies in learning institutions throughout our nation; and

WHEREAS, 1991 marks the 76th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and all citizens should learn from this horror to understand the evil of racial prejudice and ensure that an act of similar hatred is never again perpetrated; and

WHEREAS, the innocent people murdered during this tragedy of history live forever in the hearts of not only their loved ones and relatives, but of all those of Armenian heritage, which is reflected by their love and respect for family, their passion for life and their unwavering religious convictions;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PETE WILSON, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 24, 1991 as a State day of Remembrance of the 76th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and urge all people to join in this important and historic recognition.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 16th day of April 1991.

(Signed)
Pete Wilson
Governor of California

ATTEST:

(Signed)
March Fong Eu
Secretary of State