Wyoming Armenian Genocide Recognition

Wyoming legislators have recognized the Armenian Genocide on the state level. Gubernatorial proclamations as well as state and local legislation are provided below since 2017. 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.

Wyoming 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 Ohio press, as we spotlight three articles, prepared as part of the ANCA’s “Genocide Diary” project.

2017

The State of Wyoming
Office of the Governor
April 21, 2017

Dear Armenian National Committee of America,

I have studied the material you provided on the Armenian Holocaust and learned about the observances that have taken place in memory of it. The atrocities of both the Armenian and Jewish Holocausts were unimaginable, but it is important for all to remember – history. must not repeat itself.
When Elen Asatryan and Simon Maghakyan came to meet with me in February, they brought a timeline of the Armenian Genocide from April 24, 1915 through 2016. The work of the Armenian National Committee is inspiring. The Armenian National Committee and its membership are working to improve lives, to honor those who lost their lives and to ensure a respect for all people.

My thoughts are with you as you gather for the Colorado State Capitol Armenian Genocide Commemoration.

Sincerely,
MATTHEW H. MEAD
GOVERNOR

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Wyoming’s Support for Survivors of the Armenian Genocide

Wyoming was a staunch supporter of Near East Relief, 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.

Wyoming’s Near East Relief activities were coordinated through neighboring Colorado’s NER office located at 431 Chamber of Commerce Building in Denver.

Wyoming’s NER State Representatives included: Robert D. Carey – Wyoming Governor (1919 – 1923); U.S. State Senator (1930 – 1937);

Frank C. Emerson – Wyoming Governor (1927 – 1931) ; Nellie T. Ross – Wyoming Governor (1925 to 1927). Ross was the first woman to be elected governor of a U.S. state, and remains the only woman to have served as governor of Wyoming.

NER’s official publication, The New Near East, ran a compelling article in its July 1921 issue entitled “Obey the Impulse,” telling the story of Very Rev. Joseph D. Gill, a Wyoming resident who desired to donate all he could to NER to help the dying Armenians.

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