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ANCA: Kansas Becomes 38th State to Recognize Armenian Genocide

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  • ANCA: Kansas Becomes 38th State to Recognize Armenian Genocide

    Armenian National Committee of America
    888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
    Washington, DC 20006
    Tel: (202) 775-1918
    Fax: (202) 775-5648
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Internet: www.anca.org

    PRESS RELEASE
    April 27, 2005
    Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
    Tel: (202) 775-1918

    KANSAS BECOMES 38th STATE TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

    -- ANCA Welcomes Proclamation by Gov. Sebelius

    WASHINGTON, DC - Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas has issued a
    proclamation marking the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
    making the Sunflower State the 38th U.S. state to go on record
    commemorating this crime against humanity, reported the Armenian
    National Committee of America (ANCA).

    "Armenian Americans very much appreciate Governor Sebelius'
    leadership in adding Kansas to the list of U.S. states that have
    formally recognized the Armenian Genocide," said Aram Hamparian,
    Executive Director of the ANCA. "We are hopeful that the growing
    pressure on the White House - from state governments and U.S.
    legislators - will impress upon the President that he should not
    stand in the way of Congressional legislation marking this crime
    against humanity."

    In the proclamation, issued on April 20th, Gov. Sebelius proclaims
    April 24th, 2005, "Armenian Remembrance Day." She notes that April
    24th marks "the ninetieth anniversary of the genocide and
    deportations of countless Armenians in Ottoman Turkey; this great
    sorrow continues to haunt not only Armenians but also their
    neighbors in Turkey."

    Governor Sebelius goes on to "salute the modern nation of Armenia,
    and Armenians everywhere," noting that "Kansas is grateful for the
    contributions of Armenian Americans who have chosen Kansas as their
    adopted home. They have employed wisdom, courage and centuries old
    traditions to enrich the character of our state through their
    leadership in business, agriculture, academia, government and the
    arts"

    In 2004, Governor Sebelius had issued a proclamation marking June
    18th, 2004 as "Kansas-Armenia Partnership Day." The measure called
    attention to the special relationship between the Kansas National
    Guard and Armenia, which began in 2003 as part of the State's
    Partnership Program. That program pairs developing nations in
    Europe, South America and Asia with the National Guard in states
    and territories to foster mutual interests and establish long-term
    relationships.

    During a June 18, 2004 special ceremony held at the State Defense
    Building in Topeka, State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. (KS) Tod
    Bunting noted that, "Our Constitution starts 'We, the People of the
    United States...' Through this program, it is 'We the People' of
    Kansas who are reaching out in a spirit of cooperation to the
    people of Armenia to show them who we are and how we live and to
    learn from them who they are and how they live."

    The complete text of the 2005 Kansas Genocide proclamation is
    provided below.

    #####

    Proclamation by Kansas State Governor Kathleen Sebelius

    TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS:

    WHEREAS, today is a day for Kansas to join in remembrance of a
    human tragedy that stands as a reminder for us to strive for a
    future of peace, prosperity and freedom for all; and

    WHEREAS, today marks the ninetieth anniversary of the genocide and
    deportations of countless Armenians in Ottoman Turkey; this great
    sorrow continues to haunt not only Armenians but also their
    neighbors in Turkey; and

    WHEREAS, we are reminded that the suffering of the Armenian people
    from 1915-1923 was a tragedy which the world should not forget and
    applauds efforts of Armenia and Turkey to come together to consider
    these events and their significance; and

    WHEREAS, Kansas also wishes these countries success as they build
    on their recent achievements and encourages them to continue to
    work together in a spirit of hope and understanding; and

    WHEREAS, Kansas remembers those who perished and suffered, we also
    salute the modern nation of Armenia, and Armenians everywhere.
    Kansas is grateful for the contributions of Armenian Americans who
    have chosen Kansas as their adopted home. They have employed
    wisdom, courage and centuries old traditions to enrich the
    character of our state through their leadership in business,
    agriculture, academia, government and the arts; and

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF
    KANSAS, on behalf of the people of Kansas, send solemn wishes to
    the Armenian people on this day of remembrance, and do hereby
    proclaim April 24, 2005, as

    Armenian Remembrance Day

    in Kansas, and urge all citizens to join in this observance. Our
    state and the Armenian nation stand together, with our partnership
    of peace, prosperity and freedom.

    DONE: At the Capitol in Topeka
    under the Great Seal of the
    State this 20th day of April, A.D. 2005

    BY THE GOVERNOR:
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