California Passes Legislation Honoring the Victims of Communism

VOC congratulates California for passing legislation to memorialize the victims of communism. Introduced by State Senator Janet Nguyen (R), SB 1407 was approved by California’s House of Representatives and State Senate, and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 14, 2024. The law authorizes a nonprofit organization representing victims and survivors of communism to “plan, construct, and maintain a monument to the victims and survivors” on the grounds of the California State Capitol.

VOC’s President and CEO Dr. Eric Patterson met with Senator Nguyen in California to congratulate her on this monumental achievement and discuss the next steps to ensure that Californians are empowered to learn the truth about communism. 

“California’s initiative is a bold and much-needed step to ensure that we remember the victims and celebrate the heroes who have stood against this deadly ideology,” said Dr. Patterson. “This future memorial will be a light to Californians and their family members who know first-hand the dangers and brutal effects of communism. I applaud Senator Nguyen and California’s lawmakers for making this important decision.”

Senator Nguyen has also introduced a second bill to the California Senate, SCR 4, that would proclaim November 7 of each year as Victims of Communism Day in memory of the 100 million people who have fallen victim to communist regimes across the world.

To date, Alabama, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Florida have passed resolutions to officially recognize November 7 as “Victims of Communism Memorial Day.” Joining California, there are eight other states—Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina—that are moving to do the same.

VOC Memorial Day is designed to raise awareness and educate the American people—and the world—about the real threats to freedom we face now, and the crimes perpetrated by communist regimes in the 20th century and that continue today in countries such as China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Venezuela, and Vietnam. November 7 was chosen as Victims of Communism Memorial Day to mark the day in 1917 when the Bolsheviks seized power in Russia, which led to the creation of the world’s first communist government. On November 7, we remember those who have suffered and died at the hands of communist regimes in the past, and renew our commitment to stand up for those who are fighting for freedom today.