Senate Joint Resolution 15-027 Summary

• Designates April 24 as "Colorado Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide" annually, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1915-1923 Armenian genocide in which 1.5 million people were killed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire.

• Directs a formal memorial service at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2015, at the Armenian Garden on the State Capitol grounds, including the unveiling of a cultural monument crafted in Armenia honoring victims of crimes against humanity.

• Acknowledges Colorado's historical role in Armenian relief efforts, including $117 million in assistance delivered by the Near East Relief organization (1915-1930) with support from Governor Oliver Shoup, saving over one million refugees and 132,000 orphans.

• Expresses support for constructive Armenian-Turkish relations based on acknowledgment of the genocide facts and calls for a fair, just, and comprehensive international resolution of this crime against humanity.

• Directs copies of the resolution be sent to the President, Congress members, state officials, and Armenian organizations including the Armenian Assembly of America and Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute in Yerevan.