California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation last week commemorating the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region.

In his proclamation, Newsom noted the contemporary consequences of the Armenian Genocide in raising awareness about the cultural dispossession of the Genocide survivors from their historic homeland.

Newsom also highlighted the contribution of Armenian Americans – most being direct descendants of the Genocide – to the cultural, social, economic, and civic enrichment of California, Asbarez reports.