State Capitol Commemorates Armenian Genocide

Sacramento – Sunday will be a day to remember the 1.5 million Armenians tragically killed during the genocide, which began in 1915.

Last year Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed April 24 as a Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.  On Monday, California’s legislature passed Assembly Joint Resolution 34 (AJR 34), a measure commemorating the tragic genocide of the Armenian people, which began in 1915 at the hands of the Young Turk Government of the Ottoman Empire, according to the AJR documents. Mother Lode State Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte) represents the 8th District which includes Fresno, home to the second largest Armenian population in California. He commented, “What was wrong 101 years ago is still wrong today. The genocide of the Armenian people is one of worst atrocities of our time and remains a fresh wound to our Armenian-American friends and neighbors. Recognizing 2016 a year of Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide will help to ensure we do not allow the atrocities of the past to be repeated.”

The measure designates 2016 as the year and April 24 as the day in the state to commemoration of the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide of 1915–1923. The legislation also calls on the President and U.S. Congress to formally and consistently reaffirm the historical truth that the atrocities committed against the Armenian people constituted genocide. To view the entire measure, click here.