March 27, 2003

San Francisco Calls On Pres. Bush To Recognize Armenian Genocide

March 18, 2003 - The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution declaring April 24th, 2003 Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day in San Francisco and sent a letter to President Bush urging him to recognize the Armenian Genocide. Members of the Armenian-American community in San Francisco were on hand to thank the Board for its appreciation of the importance of reaffirming the history of the Armenian Genocide. The resolution was introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin who introduced members of the community to those assembled.

The text of the resolution passed by the Supervisors is:

WHEREAS, In 1915 the Ottoman Turkish government initiated a prolonged and brutal campaign of terror and mass execution that caused the deaths of more than 1.5 million men, women, and children of Armenian heritage from 1915 to 1923, and the forced deportation of hundreds of thousands of survivors, many of whom settled in San Francisco; and

WHEREAS, Despite the overwhelming proof that this attempted annihilation of the Armenian people was the result of governmental policy and genocidal intent, the Republic of Turkey has persisted to this day in denying that the Armenian Genocide occurred; and

WHEREAS, San Francisco is proud to join its Armenian-American community in its commemoration of the 88th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the first genocide of the 20th Century; and

WHEREAS, By joining our voices in one refrain we can help ensure that the Armenian Genocide is included in all historical accounts to guard against the occurrence of genocide in the future; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the San Board of Supervisors does hereby declare April 24th 2003 Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day in San Francisco; and, be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the San Francisco Board of Supervisors will send a letter urging President George W. Bush to recognize the Armenian Genocide.