April 24, 2005

PROCLAMATION

Office of the Mayor, City of College Station

WHEREAS, on April 24, 2005, Armenians around the world will commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide; and

WHEREAS, during the First World War, the Turkish Empire in an effort of general extermination and elimination of all traces of a thriving and noble civilization over 3,000 years old, massacred approximately 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children in the twentieth century's first genocide; and

WHEREAS, although the survivors of this massacre were scattered to all parts of the world, they have maintained their identity and unity through their church, passing along to each generation not only a strong Christian faith but a knowledge of their language, history and culture; and

WHEREAS, the heroic struggles of the Armenian people inspire and challenge us to cherish and preserve the freedom that is ours; and

Now Thereof, I, Ron Silva, Mayor of the City of College Station, Texas, and acting on behalf of the City Council do hereby proclaim April 24, 2005, as

Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

in College Station, Texas.

(Signed)

Ron Silva, Mayor

College Station, Texas