March 11, 2005

STATE OF ILLINOIS

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the Armenian community, as well as the global community, remembers the Armenian Genocide, which occurred 90 years ago; and

WHEREAS, during this tragic historical period between the years of 1915 and 1923, Armenians were forced to witness the genocide of their loved one, and the loss of their ancestral homelands; and

WHEREAS, this extermination of and forced relocation of over 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Turks is recognized every year; and

WHEREAS, Armenians continue to be a people full of hope, courage, faith and pride in their heritage, working together to rebuild a firm foundation for Armenia; and

WHEREAS, many of the fifteen-thousand Armenian-Americans in Illinois are descendents or survivors of the Armenian genocide, and have been forthright in their efforts to preserve their culture, heritage, and language, while contributing much to our state and our nation's diverse society and economy; and

WHEREAS, both recognition and education concerning past atrocities such as the Armenian Genocide is crucial in the prevention of future crime against humanity.

THEREFORE, I, Rod Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, do hereby proclaim April 24, 2005 as ARMENIAN MARTYRS DAY in Illinois, in honor of the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto Set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Illinois to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Springfield this Eleventh Day of March, in the Year of Our Lord two Thousand and Five, and of the State of Illinois the one hundred and eighty-seventh.

(Signed)

Rod Blagojevich, Governor

State of Illinois