April 22, 1994

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

A PROCLAMATION by the Governor of the State of California

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, this campaign of dislocation and murder was undertaken with a clear and ultimate purpose--to annihilate the Armenian race through a practiced policy of coordinated deportation and massacre; and

WHEREAS, this human tragedy is touched by the most repugnant elements of hatred, intolerance and inhumanity, and we must be vigilant in our efforts to ensure that such atrocities are never again forced by one people upon another; and

WHEREAS, only in recent years has the truth surfaced and been recognized regarding the heinous acts perpetrated against the Armenian people and the great number of deaths that resulted from this policy of genocide; 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 ramifications 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 79th 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, PETE WILSON, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim April 24, 1994, as a Day of Remembrance of the 79th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, and I urge all Californians to join in activities being held statewide to commemorate this solemn observance.

In WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 22nd day of April 1994.

(Signed)
Pete Wilson

Attest:

(Signed)
Tony Miller