April 20, 2004

WHEREAS, one and one-half million men, women, and children of Armenian descent were victims of the brutal genocide perpetrated by the Turkish Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923; and

WHEREAS, Armenians worldwide annually commemorate this tragic event on April 24th, the day that 600 Armenian leaders, writers, thinkers, and professionals in Constantinople and major cities throughout Turkey were first rounded up, deported, and massacred; and

WHEREAS, the Armenian genocide and massacres of the Armenian people have been recognized as an attempt to eliminate a thriving and noble civilization more than 3000 years old; and

WHEREAS, the people and government of the United States of America extended enormous aid and relief to the survivors of this tragedy; and

WHEREAS, to this day, revisionists still inexplicably deny the existence of these horrific events; and

WHEREAS, modern Turkey continues to deny and distort the facts of this genocide and honors as national heroes the perpetrators of that crime against humanity; and

WHEREAS, recognition of the anniversary of this genocide to the Armenian population is crucial to guarding against the recurrence of genocide and provides the American people with a greater understanding of its heritage; and

WHEREAS, Armenian-Americans living in Madison have greatly enriched this city through their leadership in business, agriculture, academia, government, and the arts;

SPONSORS: Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, Ald. Austin King, Ald. Linda Bellman, Ald. Brenda Konkel, Ald. Mike Verveer, Ald. Judy Olson, Ald. Ken Golden, Ald. Jean MacCubbin, Ald. Brian Benford, Ald. Gregory Markle, Ald. Steve Holtzman.