June 29, 1990

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, PROVIDENCE

Edward D. DiPrete
Governor

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, 75 years ago, millions of Armenians were forcibly exiled from their ancient homeland, and one-half million Armenians were massacred in an attempt by Ottoman Turkey to exterminate the Armenian race; and

WHEREAS, on April 24, Armenians from all over the world commemorate Martyrs' Day, the day in 1915 when the Turks arrested and killed 250 Armenians community leaders and intellectuals; and

WHEREAS, in honoring the memory of those martyrs, hope if renewed that the conscience of the world can bring a halt to senseless slaughter, an end to all human suffering and a reawakening of a sense of justice for the Armenian people; and

WEHREAS, America, with a commitment to the opposition of tyranny and oppression rooted in our historic struggle for independence, joins gladly with all those who strive for liberty in the face of persecution;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDWARD D. DiPRETE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM

APRIL 24, 1990 AS

ARMENIAN MARTYRS' DAY

In the State of Rhode Island and all on all citizens to join with me in honoring these people for their immeasurable contributions to the cause of liberty.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the State of Rhode Island to be affixed this twenty-ninth day of June, one thousand nine hundred and ninety, and of Independence, the two hundred and fourteenth.

(SIGNED)
Edward D. DiPrete
GOVERNOR

(SIGNED)
Kathleen S. Connell
SECRETARY OF STATE