Reps. Kesto, Howrylak, Cochran, Crawford, Heise, Hooker and Webber offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 272.

            A resolution to declare April 24, 2016, as a Day of Remembrance in the state of Michigan for the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.

            Whereas, Michigan Armenian churches have been involved in 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, Between 1915-1923, Armenians were subject to torture, starvation, mass murder, and exile from their historic homeland. Over 1.5 million Armenians lost their lives. The bulk of the Armenian population was displaced from their homes and forced to escape to neighboring and far away communities. Many refugees fled to the United States. Today, Michigan is honored to be home to a vibrant Armenian-American population. This thriving community is a proud reminder of the survival and determination even in the face of extreme injustices.  The Armenian Genocide represented a deliberate attempt by the Ottoman Empire to eliminate all traces of a thriving, noble civilization; and

            Whereas, Armenian communities all over the world commemorate this tragedy on April 24. 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, 2016, as a Day of Remembrance in the state of Michigan for the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.