Victims of Communism Memorial Day

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elías Coop-González

Designates November 7 each year as Victims of Communism Memorial Day in West Virginia to honor victims and oppose communism.

To House Rules

#resolutions

Summary of HR 16 (Session 2026, West Virginia) — Victims of Communism Memorial Day

Purpose and Intent

Establishes November 7, 2026 and each subsequent year as Victims of Communism Memorial Day in the state.

Aligns with national recognition of victims of communist regimes and honors those who suffered under communism.

Key Provisions

Designation: November 7 is designated annually as Victims of Communism Memorial Day.

Broad framing: The designation acknowledges the historical suffering caused by communist regimes and expresses opposition to communism as a political philosophy.

Communications and reporting:

Requires the Clerk of the House to transmit a copy of the resolution to the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, ensuring the organization is aware of the state’s action.
Requires the Clerk to post the designation of the day on the legislature’s website.

Affected Entities and Stakeholders

Legislative Branch: House of Delegates (the resolution is introduced and enacted as a formal designation).

Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation: Receives formal notice of the designation.

Public/General Public: Communicated through the legislature’s website posting, informing residents about the designated day.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Introduced February 17, 2006; referred to the Committee on Rules. Action history provided shows introduction and initial committee routing for the 2006 session, though the request appears to pertain to a 2026 session labeling.

Immediate steps upon enactment:

Clerk transmits the resolution to the designated foundation.
Clerk posts the designation on the legislature’s website.

Context and Notable Details

The bill reflects a broader national conversation recognizing victims of communist regimes and cites historical references to the Bolshevik Revolution, various dictators, and statements by U.S. leaders and the Congressional Caucus for the Victims of Communism.

The resolution is symbolic, creating a commemorative day rather than establishing new obligations or funding.

Potential Impact

Symbolic recognition within West Virginia, fostering awareness of victims of communism.

May influence education and public discourse by aligning state observance with the identified commemorative date.

No fiscal impact or regulatory changes are indicated in the text; primarily an official designation and related communications.

If you want, I can compare this to similar designations in other states or summarize the historical arguments cited in the text.