San Diego County honors Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day with official proclamation

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors made significant strides in community recognition and education during their April 22, 2025, meeting. A key highlight was the proclamation of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, presented by Supervisor Joel Anderson. This proclamation, issued ahead of the official observance on April 24, serves to honor the memory of the 1.5 million lives lost during the genocide and to reaffirm the county's commitment to truth and justice.

Supervisor Anderson emphasized the importance of remembering the past to prevent future atrocities, stating, "As we remember the past, we reaffirm our commitment to truth, justice, and human dignity." The proclamation was accepted by community leaders, including Kathy Kiserjian from Saint Sarkis Armenian Church, who shared her personal connection to the genocide through her family's history. She highlighted the resilience of the Armenian community and the necessity of remembrance for future generations.

The meeting also featured remarks from District Attorney Summer Stephan, who shared her grandmother's harrowing experience as a survivor of the genocide. She underscored the importance of freedom of expression and the need to remember such tragedies to safeguard against their recurrence.

In addition to the remembrance proclamation, the Board recognized April as Financial Literacy Month. Supervisor Anderson acknowledged the efforts of the San Diego Center for Economic Education, which has been instrumental in providing financial education resources to empower individuals in making informed financial decisions. This initiative aims to equip residents with essential skills such as budgeting and understanding credit, fostering a more financially literate community.

These proclamations reflect the Board's ongoing commitment to honoring historical truths and promoting educational initiatives that benefit the San Diego community. As the county moves forward, these efforts will play a crucial role in fostering understanding and resilience among its diverse populations.