WHEREAS, the rich heritage of Cambodia, one of the original civilizations in Southeast Asia, dates back over 4,000 years; and

WHEREAS, during the Cambodian Genocide, one of the bloodiest genocides in history, approximately 2 million people (nearly a quarter of the entire Cambodian population) lost their lives at the hands of the Khmer Rouge Regime between April 1975 and January 1979; and

WHEREAS, after 1979, over 140,000 refugees, predominantly from overpopulated Thai border camps, relocated to the United States to escape the harsh living conditions experienced in the camps and seek asylum from battered, war-torn Cambodia; and

WHEREAS, over half of the members of the Cambodian population experience varying degrees of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or other forms of mental health issues brought forth by the Cambodian Genocide; and

WHEREAS, it is important to honor the Cambodian people who suffered and remember those who died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge Regime during the Cambodian Genocide; and

WHEREAS, Seattle is sister city to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, and

WHEREAS, the Seattle metro area is home to over 22,000 Cambodians, whose versatile members increasingly contribute to many thriving local and international businesses, including Amazon, Microsoft, flourishing entrepreneurial endeavors, and community-serving organizations; and

WHEREAS, Cambodian community leaders and elders from across Washington State work together relentlessly to reclaim cultural cornerstones nearly exterminated by the Khmer Rouge Regime and uplift their communities through education and cultural empowerment and resiliency;

NOW, THEREFORE, THE MAYOR OF SEATTLE AND THE SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL DO HEREBY PROCLAIM APRIL 17, 2017 TO BE

Cambodian Genocide Memorial Day

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Mayor Edward B. Murray Council President Bruce Harrell

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Councilmember Sally Bagshaw Councilmember Tim Burgess

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Councilmember M. Lorena Gonzlez Councilmember Lisa Herbold

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Councilmember Rob Johnson Councilmember Debora Juarez

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Councilmember Mike O'Brien Councilmember Kshama Sawant