Oregon Armenian Genocide Recognition

Oregon legislators have recognized the Armenian Genocide on the state level. Gubernatorial proclamations as well as state and local legislation are provided below since 1990. 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.

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

1990

PROCLAMATION BY THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
STATE OF OREGON
April 23, 1990

WHEREAS, Beginning in 1915, the Ottoman Empire initiated a reign of terror that ultimately resulted in the massacre of 1.5 million Armenians in eight years; and

WHEREAS, This systematic program of genocide and forced deportation was undertaken to eliminate the Armenian race; and

WHEREAS, The year 1990 marks the 75th anniversary of this racially prejudiced episode in history; and

WHEREAS, Analyses of this illogical persecution of the Armenians are being incorporated into studies of racial bias, such as the Holocaust and other violations of human rights; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate that we make ourselves aware of such instances from the past so that we do not allow the repetition of similar racial violence and hatred to destroy our present and our future.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Neil Goldschmidt, Governor of the State of Oregon, hereby proclaim April 24, 1990, as

DAY OF ARMENIAN REMEMBRANCE

in Oregon and encourage all citizens to join in this observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Oregon to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Salem and the State of Oregon, on this day, April 23, 1990.

(SIGNED)

Neil Goldschmidt, Governor

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Oregon’s Support for Survivors of the Armenian Genocide

Oregon was a staunch 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.

Oregon facilitated its relief efforts from its headquarters at 613 Stock Exchange Building in Portland.

In 1922 Portland’s Community Chest allocated $33,000 to NER. The majority of churches in Oregon welcomed NER speakers and while small churches gave few dollars to NER there were a number of big donations.

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

The Armenian Genocide in Oregon Press

Click here for more Armenian Genocide Articles in Oregon Press