Today, I am signing HB 395, which will designate November 7th as the “Victims of Communism Day” in order to honor the over 100 million individuals who have been victims of communist governments throughout the world.
In 1993, the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation was created in accordance with a Joint Resolution of both houses of Congress, which was then passed into law by President Bill Clinton. The Foundation applauded the passage of the legislation in Florida’s legislature earlier this year, noting that it would be joining Alabama, Texas, Utah, and Virginia as one of only eight states to designate itself as such. Illinois, Missouri, Arizona, Idaho, New Jersey, Arkansas, Pennsylvania , and South Carolina are also considering similar resolutions. (Note: This includes both red and blue states.)
The governor’s office also released a statement in connection with the decision:
HB 395 proclaims November 7th as the “Victims of Communism Day” and urges public schools to observe the occasion. High school students will be required to complete at least 45 minutes of training in their required U.S. Government class on matters relating to communist governments and how victims were harmed by these regimes. Starting in 2023-2024, instruction on these themes will be required.
Congratulations to the State of Florida for formally recognizing the dangers of Communism and designating a day to commemorate its countless victims. On April 7th, Missouri’s Senate approved unanimously to do likewise, and it appears that the legislation has just passed out of the House on May 6th, so Missouri may be following in Florida’s footsteps soon.
