Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
April 16, 2009
Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER PROCLAIMS APRIL 19-26 "DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE OF
THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE"
Washington, DC – Earlier today, California Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger issued a Proclamation designating April 19-26, 2009, as
"Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide," reported the Armenian
Assembly of America (Assembly).
In part, the Proclamation reads, "On the night of April 24, 1915, more
than 200 leaders in the Armenian community, in the city known today as
Istanbul, were arrested. Sent to prison, most were executed, beginning a
horrible, systematic killing and forced relocation of the Armenian
people that would last until 1923. During these years, the government of
the Ottoman Empire claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenians and forced
500,000 more from their homeland."
Governor Schwarzenegger signed a bill four years ago that permanently
recognized the Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide and "this
week," the Proclamation reads, "we honor that commitment as we stand
with our Armenian friends and neighbors here and across the world in
remembering and acknowledging the genocide, the families it destroyed
and the history it changed. We do not like to recall such sorrows, but
we must, so that we can learn from history and renew our efforts to make
sure nothing like this ever happens again."
"We commend Governor Schwarzenegger and the State of California for
reaffirming the Armenian Genocide and standing on the side of truth in
the face of denial," said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.
"California’s consistent affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and its
state-wide human rights curriculum that introduces students to the
lessons of history through the example of past and current genocides
furthers the cause of prevention," added Ardouny.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c) (3)
tax-exempt membership organization.
###
NR#2009-034
Editor’s Note:
"Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide" Proclamation
California_Armenian_Gen
ocide_proc_09.pdf