LANSING — State Representative Robert Kosowski (D-Westland) was pleased that his colleagues passed House Resolution 61 on Wednesday. Kosowski sponsored the resolution to mark April 24 as a day of remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923. Many of those fleeing the genocide came to the United States, and Michigan is home to a vibrant Armenian-American population.

“It’s important that we honor the victims and survivors of this terrible tragedy and ensure that we prevent future atrocities from being committed,” Kosowski said.

During the Armenian Genocide, more than 1.5 million people lost their lives at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Survivors were subject to torture, starvation and exile from their historic homeland.

State Representative Robert Kosowski (D-Westland), right, stands on the House floor with, from left, Representative Klint Kesto (R-Commerce Township), Will Hovig and Lara Nercessian. Kosowski sponsored a resolution, which the House passed on Wednesday, recognizing the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.