April 20, 2005

State of Minnesota Proclamation

WHEREAS: The Armenian Genocide is one of the most horrific tragedies of the 20th century, which led to the annihilation of as many as 1.5 million Armenians through forced exile and murder during the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923; and

WHEREAS: Minnesotans from across the state join the Armenian community in mourning the tragic loss of life; and

WHEREAS: The unfolding Armenian Genocide was widely reported in Minnesota newspapers of the day, and Minnesotans played a leading role in international relief efforts; and

WHEREAS: The groundbreaking work of University of Minnesota Professor Taner Akcam and other like-minded Turkish scholars represents a vital step towards truth, justice, and reconciliation; and

WHEREAS; It is imperative that individuals in both the Armenian and Turkish Communities continue to work towards peace and reconciliation; and

WHEREAS; Since 1899 Armenian-Americans in Minnesota have made substantial contributions in arts and sciences, commerce, community service, and government, notably the 2004 incorporation of the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS: On this 90th anniversary of the onset of the Armenian Genocide, which is traditionally observed on April 24, it is fitting that all people of goodwill join the Armenian-American community in commemoration of this crime against humanity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim, Sunday, April 24, 2005, as:

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY

In the state of Minnesota.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto

set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the

State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State

Capitol this 20th day of April in the year of

our Lord two thousand and five, and of the

State the one hundred forty-sixth.