The Proclamation

(THIS IS AN HEC PROJECT)

PROCLAMATION OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE
OF ALABAMA GOVERNOR D. SIEGELMAN

WHEREAS, millions of citizens of Turkish, Greek, and Armenian descent and citizens from other religious and ethnic backgrounds died from violence, forced migration, disease and starvation in Asia Minor during World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire; and

WHEREAS, Turkish Americans bear a great burden of sorrow from the tragic events which befell these citizens; and

WHEREAS, Turkish peoples founded the Republic of Turkey, October 29, 1923; and

WHEREAS, recognition of the tragedies befalling these citizens is crucial to ensuring against the repetition of future civilian wartime tragedies; and

WHEREAS, Turks enjoy a long history of friendship by living in harmony with different ethnic groups and sharing a geographic and cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Turkey has made significant contributions to U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans, Middle East, Central Asia and Caucasus and has played a crucial role in international efforts for peace, prosperity and stability; and

WHEREAS, Turkey has been a staunch ally of the United States and has supported the U.S. in every major conflict since the Korean War and has been an active member of NATO and the Council of Europe; and

WHEREAS, residents of Alabama are highly sensitive to the need for consistently remembering and openly condemning the loss of all civilians due to war and ethnic strife to prevent future civilian tragedies; and

WHEREAS, Americans of Turkish descent in Alabama have played a significant role in the educational, cultural, economic and civic development of our community; and

WHEREAS, we recognize many individuals of Turkish descent who have chosen our community as their home and share their rich heritage with us:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Don Siegelman, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim August 30, 2001, as

Day of Remembrance of the Tragedies of Citizens of Asia Minor and the Independence Day of the Republic of Turkey

action@hec.greece.org

DISCLAIMER
The Themis Project is a grass-roots effort organized by the Hellenic Electronic Center and the Action Committee. HEC and the Action Committee have no affiliation with any registered political organizations in any country. The effort is not politically-motivated and neither is it addressed against any political party and/or member of any Government. The effort aims to preserve Greek history by voicing the concerns of the Diaspora against any distortions, amendments and/or denial of history, primarily motivated by the influence of foreign agents and governments. The opinions expressed by any HEC member organization or petitioner are not necessarily the opinions of HEC or the Action team, its volunteers, its other member organizations or its sponsors.

Back to Alabama Proclamation Web Page