Utah Armenian Genocide Recognition

Proclamation By The Governor
Utah
2001

Whereas, many Armenians, including some who reside in Utah, will pay tribute to the 1.5 million victims of genocide on Armenian Martyr Day; and

Whereas, understanding the plight of the Armenian genocide, and educating the public, is one step toward eliminating possible future genocides; and

Whereas, the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir has undertaken an enormous task to turn an invited visit into a humanitarian cause benefiting the Armenian people; and

Whereas, Utahns have the capacity and resources to make a difference in the lives of the Armenian people; and

Whereas, the Choir’s visit provides Utahns with a rare opportunity to experience “one degree of separation” thus putting a face on the donor recipients in an humanitarian cause;

Now, Therefore, I, Michael O. Leavitt, Governor of the state of Utah, do hereby proclaim April 2001, as Armenian Awareness Month in Utah.

(SIGNED)
Governor Michael O. Leavitt

Declaration
Utah

Whereas, on April 24, 1915, 200 leaders of the Armenian community in Istanbul, in what was then the Ottoman Empire, were arrested and most were later executed;

Whereas, this began a system of mass annihilation of Armenians within the Ottoman Empire, which resulted in the death of more than a million Armenians as victims of horrendous atrocities;

Whereas, a number of individuals and families, among them the Megerdichians, Kevorks, Aposhians, Orullians, Plowgians, Ozunians, Sheranians, Paronyans, Bekearians, Baranyans, and others, were able to escape from anti-Armenian hostilities to the United States and settle in Utah;

Whereas, the Armenian community in Utah, numbering about 1,500 people, continues to enrich our state in the arts, science, education, commerce, and government, and we honor and recognize their outstanding contributions and determination to overcome much not only to make Utah their home, but to make their new home an even better state; and

Whereas, this special occasion offers an opportunity to rededicate ourselves individually and collectively to the principles of individual freedom in a just society, which empowers us to remain vigilant against hatred, persecution, and tyranny;

Now, therefore, I, Gary R. Herbert governor of the state of Utah, do hereby declare April 24, 2015, as

Armenian Remembrance and Recognition Day

(SIGNED)
Governor Gary R. Herbert