VOC Applauds Missouri Senate Unanimous Passage of Key Legislation Commemorating Victims of Communism

The Missouri Senate has unanimously voted to designate November 7 as “Victims of Communism Memorial Day” in remembrance of and honoring those who have died and suffered under communist regimes.

Ambassador Andrew Bremberg, along with the VOC Board of Trustees, praised the Missouri Senate for its passage of this important landmark legislation commemorating the victims of communism.

“The Missouri Senate designation of VOC Memorial Day is a great success. Our Victims of Communism – St. Louis Commission has recognized this important day on a local level for several years, and we commend the Missouri Senate for acknowledging the importance of the entire state of Missouri recognizing the victims of communism each year on VOC Memorial Day,” said Ambassador Bremberg.

The legislation was championed by Senator Steven Roberts, who celebrated its passage in the Senate, “I am proud to announce the unanimous passage of the Victims of Communism Memorial Day in the Mo Senate! For the more than 60k Bosnians in St. Louis & all of communism’s victims and their descendants, we honor those lost & condemn the atrocities of authoritarian governments.”

This bill has now been sent to the Missouri House of Representatives for a vote.

To date, Alabama, Florida, Texas, Utah, and Virginia have passed resolutions to officially recognize November 7 as “Victims of Communism Memorial Day.” In addition to Missouri, seven others—Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina—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.