April 18, 1990

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

A PROCLAMATION
By the Governor of the State of California

WHEREAS, beginning in 1915, the Ottoman Empire initiated a reign of terror that ultimately resulted in the massacre of 1.5 million Armenians over the following eight years; and

WHEREAS, this systematic program of genocide and forced deportation was undertaken with the clear intent of annihilating the entire Armenian race; and

WHEREAS, the list of eyewitnesses verifying this genocide includes, not only officials from the United States and the Allied powers, but also ambassadors and officials of Imperial Germany which was an ally of the Ottoman Turkish Empire during this period; and

WHEREAS, this year is the 75th anniversary of this tragic episode in history and it is most appropriate that all citizens learn of the atrocities which were committee against the Armenian people, so that future generations will learn from the lessons of the past; and

WHEREAS, this irrefutable fact of history has just finally begun to be incorporated into Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Studies in schools throughout our nation; and

WHEREAS, while for many the memories are sad and painful, in recalling the tragedy and inhumanity of the Armenian Genocide, we can help future generations better understand its impact and magnitude while ensuring that such an occurrence will never happen again;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with Assembly Concurrent Resolution 51 (1981), do hereby proclaim April 24, 1990 as a State Day of Remembrance in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In remembrance of the innocent victims of this tragedy, I urge all people throughout the world to join in this important observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the States of California to be affixed this 18th day of April 1990.

(SIGNED)
George Deukmejian
Governor of California

ATTEST:

(SIGNED)
March Fong Eu
Secretary of State