Kentucky Armenian Genocide Recognition

Kentucky legislators have recognized the Armenian Genocide on the state level. Gubernatorial proclamations as well as state and local legislation are provided below since 2008. If you know of other documents to be added to this list – old or new – please send a note to elizabeth@anca.org. We look forward to showcasing them.

Kentucky citizens also played an active role in assisting Armenian Genocide survivors through the Congressionally mandated Near East Foundation, during the years 1915 – 1930. Learn more about their efforts below, through research prepared by the ANCA Western Region’s “America We Thank You” program.

And finally, review our snapshot of news coverage of the Armenian Genocide in Kentucky press, as we spotlight three articles, prepared as part of the ANCA’s “Genocide Diary” project. Check back to the Genocide Diary’s Kentucky page for new articles added on a monthly basis.

2008

A Proclamation by the Governor and Secretary of State
State of Kentucky
April 24, 2008

by STEVEN L. BESMEAR

Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky

To All To Whom These Presents Shall Come:

WHEREAS, One and one-half-million Christian Armenian men, women, and children were the innocent victims of a brutal genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish Government from 1915 to 1923; and

WHEREAS,The Armenian genocide has been recognized as an attempt to eliminate all traces of a thriving, ancient civilization over 3,000 years old; and

WHEREAS, Recognition of the ninety-third anniversary of this genocide is paramount to guarding against the repetition of future genocides and educating people across the Commonwealth about the atrocities of these horrific events; and

WHEREAS, Armenian-Americans living in Kentucky have greatly enriched our state through their leadership in various aspects of our society; and

NOW, THEREFORE, STEVEN L. BESMEAR, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, do hereby proclaim April 24, 2008, as DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE in Kentucky.

DONE AT THE CAPITOL, in the City of Frankfort this 28th day of April, in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight and in the 216th year of the Commonwealth.

(SIGNED)

STEVEN L. BESHEAR, Governor
TREY GRAYSON, Secretary of State

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Kentucky’s Support for Survivors of the Armenian Genocide

Kentucky was an integral supporter of Near East Relief (NER), the American-led campaign that quickly sparked an international response with its unprecedented humanitarian endeavor, mobilizing all segments of American citizenry including elected officials, celebrities and laypersons alike, to help rescue victims of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey from 1915-1930.

Kentucky’s NER activities were facilitated through its NER state headquarters located at 940 Fourth Street in Louisville.

In December of 1920 alone, the residents of Kentucky raised an impressive $15,341.50 in response to NER’s Christmas Giving Appeal.

Read the complete fact sheet prepared by America We Thank You.

The Armenian Genocide in Kentucky Press

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Click here for more Armenian Genocide Articles in Kentucky Press