April 27, 2000

STATE OF ILLINOIS
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
Proclamation

WHEREAS, 85 years ago Armenians were forced to witness the genocide of their relatives and the loss of their ancestral homelands; and

WHEREAS, the examination of 1.5 million Armenians and the forced deportation of countless others between the years of 1915 and 1923 are recognized each year; and

WHEREAS, the Armenians continue to be a people full of hope, working side-by-side for the future of Armenia. Through their faith and pride in their heritage, the Armenians remain a strong and courageous people working toward rebuilding a firm foundation for Armenia; and

WHEREAS, Armenian-Americans have been forthright in their efforts to preserve their culture, heritage and language; and

WHEREAS, the Armenian-American community has made significant contributions in all areas of life including education, medicine, science, business, arts, government and public service in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, the Armenian community is commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide;

THEREFORE, I, George H. Ryan, Governor of the State of Illinois, proclaim April 24, 2000, as ARMENIAN MARTYRS DAY in Illinois in remembrance of the 85th 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 seventeenth day of April, in
the Year of Our Lord two thousand and
of the State of Illinois the one hundred and
eighty-second.

[SIGNED]
Jesee White
SECREARY OF STATE

[SIGNED]
George H. Ryan
GOVERNOR