GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER PROCLAIMS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMBERANCE WEEK

armradio.am
17.04.2009 11:52

California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed April 19-26,
2009, as "Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide," the Armenian
Council of America reports.

In part, the proclamation reads: "This week, 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."

Since being elected Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger has
issued a proclamation every year. "The Armenian American community
appreciates Governor Schwarzenegger for his continuous leadership
and commitment on the remembrance and recognition of the Armenian
Genocide", said Peter Darakjian Armenian Council of America Board
Member. In addition to an annual proclamation, Governor Schwarzenegger
was the first in the nation to sign a bill four years ago that
permanently recognized the "Days of Remembrance of the Armenian
Genocide".

As home to the largest Armenian community in the United States,
the State of California has been at the forefront on the Armenian
Genocide issue. For over four decades, California has issued official
gubernatorial and legislative proclamations. President Obama’s home
state of Hawaii this month recognized the Armenian Genocide, making
it the 43 state that has taken an affirmative position on recognition.

The full text of the proclamation is presented below.

"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, systemic 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.

Those who escaped death had to flee, and many of them settled right
here in California. They and their descendants have become leaders
in all walks of life and have made extraordinary contributions to
our state. While their presence has been and continues to be a great
blessing to California, it also reminds us of the incredible evils
that brought them far from their ancestral homes.

Four years ago I signed a bill that permanently recognized the Days
of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. This week, 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 do20not 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.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State
of California, do hereby proclaim April 19-26, 2009, as "Days of
Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide."