Mayor Michael B. Hancock of Denver, Colorado, USA has officially proclaimed September 21, 2016 as “Armenian Independence Day” for the “twin states of the Armenian homeland, Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic),” reports the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR).

“Mayor Hancock’s celebration of the Armenian homeland and recognition of Artsakh’s ongoing struggle against aggression is a testament to the firm dedication of Armenian American grassroots in the Mile High City and the State of Colorado to raise awareness about human rights issues, including Azerbaijan’s April 2016 anti-Armenian war crimes,” remarked ANCA-WR Executive Director Elen Asatryan. “We thank the Hancock administration for their unwavering support of universal human rights, including recognizing Artsakh’s independence and ongoing struggle to preserve its ancient Christian heritage and protect its freedom-loving indigenous Armenian population against an army that wipes out medieval monuments and tortures civilians and soldiers alike.”

The proclamation notes that “the Denver Metro Area is home to thousands of productive and patriotic Armenian Americans who have enriched our city for many decades,” and that “Artsakh continues the monumental struggle to maintain its indigenous Armenian identity, preserve medieval monuments and secure its borders against war crimes.” Mayor Hancock’s Proclamation also “congratulates the Armenian community on their commitment to their heritage, their engagement in their new homeland and their ability to survive and thrive despite the challenges.”