Montana Armenian Genocide Affirmation

Montana legislators have recognized the Armenian Genocide on the state level. Gubernatorial proclamations as well as state and local legislation are provided below since 2004. 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.

Montana 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 Montana press, as we spotlight three articles, prepared as part of the ANCA’s “Genocide Diary” project. Check back to the Genocide Diary’s Montana page for new articles added on a monthly basis.

2004

HELENA, MONTANA
April 2004

On behalf of the citizens of the State of Montana, I am pleased to recognize your achievements to bring awareness and recognition to the one and one-half million Christian Armenian men, women and children who were victims of the brutal genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish Government from 1915 to 1923.

The Armenian genocide and massacres of Armenian people have been recognized as an attempt to eliminate all traces of a thriving and noble civilization over 3,000 years old. Recognition of the eight-ninth anniversary of this genocide is crucial to guarding against the repetition of future genocide and educating people about the atrocities connected to these horrific events.

I urge recognition of their plight on April 24th, 2004, which is nationally recognized as a Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 – 1923.

Sincerely,

(SIGNED)

Governor Judy Martz

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Montana’s Support for Survivors of the Armenian Genocide

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

Montana facilitated its relief efforts from its state headquarters at 5 Montana Building in Helena.

Montana native F. W. Whitaker who hailed from Hinsdale, was among the many Americans who traveled overseas to visit the NER orphanages and hospitals. He shared his experiences with the community upon his return on December 24, 1920 to raise awareness about the perils and suffering of the Armenian people.

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

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