house resolution no.87
Rep. Manoogian offered the following resolution:
Whereas, The state of Michigan recognizes that the Armenian Genocide occurred from 1915 to 1923. Armenians, as well as Greeks, Assyrian-Chaldeans, Syriacs, Arameans, Maronites, and other Christians were subject to torture, starvation, mass murder, lethal human medical experimentation, and exile from their historic homeland. Over 1.5 million lost their lives. The Armenian Genocide represented a deliberate attempt by the Ottoman Empire to eliminate all traces of an ancient, thriving, and noble civilization that had lived in these regions for millennia; and
Whereas, The majority of the Armenian population was displaced from their homes and forced to escape to neighboring and faraway communities and countries. Many refugees fled to the United States. Today, Michigan is honored to be home to a vibrant Armenian-American population of more than 17,000 Michiganders. This thriving community is a proud reminder of survival and perseverance in the face of extreme injustice; and
Whereas, Michigan Armenian churches and community organizations have organized numerous charity and community drives across the state, including, but not limited to, providing college scholarships for deserving students and serving Armenian refugee communities across the state; and
Whereas, Both houses of the 116th Congress of the United States voted to commemorate and recognize the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide, reject efforts to associate the United States government with efforts to deny the existence of the Armenian Genocide or any genocide, and encourage education and public understanding about the Armenian Genocide; and
Whereas, By recognizing and consistently remembering the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, and all cases of past and ongoing genocide, we help protect historic memory, ensure that similar atrocities do not occur again, and remain vigilant against hatred, persecution and tyranny. The Armenian community of Michigan has used its deep understanding of historic pain and dispersal to constantly and consistently stand alongside other persecuted communities in Michigan and around the world; and
Whereas, Armenian communities around the world commemorate the tragedy of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2021. On this day, we honor the victims and survivors of the Genocide and reaffirm our commitment to preventing future atrocities from being committed against any people; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 24, 2021, as a Day of Remembrance in the state of Michigan for the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.