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Bill

K 1408

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 20, 2026, as Armenian Heritage Day in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session

Urges Governor Hochul to proclaim May 20, 2026, as Armenian Heritage Day in New York to honor Armenian history, remember the Genocide, and educate the public nationwide.

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Bill Summary · K 1408

Overview

  • Type: Assembly Resolution (Memorialization)
  • Bill number: A. 1408
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Sponsor: Rules (Lemondes)
  • Purpose: Memorialize the Governor to proclaim May 20, 2026, as Armenian Heritage Day in New York

Main purpose and intent

  • The resolution seeks to honor Armenian heritage and commemorate the Armenian Genocide by urging Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 20, 2026, as Armenian Heritage Day in New York.
  • It expresses respect for Armenian and Pontian Greek communities and emphasizes remembrance of the genocide, its victims, and survivors, while promoting awareness and education to prevent future atrocities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Formal memorialization: The bill requests the Governor to issue a proclamation designating May 20, 2026, as Armenian Heritage Day.
  • Official action: If enacted, the Governor would publicly recognize the day statewide, aligning New York with efforts to honor Armenian history and culture.
  • Communication: Requires that a copy of the resolution, once engrossed, be transmitted to Governor Hochul.

Who/what would be affected

  • Government/State: Governor of New York (execution of a proclamation designating Armenian Heritage Day).
  • Armenian and Pontian Greek communities: Benefits from official recognition and broader public awareness.
  • General public in New York: Increased awareness of Armenian history, heritage, and the lessons of the Armenian Genocide.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction status: Referred to calendar (as of 2026-05-19) and subsequently adopted (2026-05-20).
  • Action taken: The resolution was adopted on May 20, 2026; a copy of the engrossed resolution is to be sent to the Governor.
  • No substantive fiscal implications are stated in the resolution; the action is ceremonial and commemorative.

Context and significance

  • The resolution situates Armenian Heritage Day within New York’s tradition of recognizing days that raise awareness of significant historical and cultural issues.
  • It acknowledges the historical context of the Armenian Genocide (1914–1922) and emphasizes remembrance, education, and condemnation of crimes against humanity.
  • The measure is nonbinding in itself but serves as an official recommendation to the Governor to issue a proclamation.

Summary in plain terms

This Assembly Resolution memorializes Governor Hochul to proclaim May 20, 2026, as Armenian Heritage Day in New York. It highlights the history of the Armenian Genocide, honors survivors and the Armenian and Pontian Greek communities, and urges statewide recognition to promote remembrance and education. If proclaimed, the day would be commemorated statewide, with the engrossed resolution transmitted to the Governor.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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