Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)

LOS ANGELES, CA – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) – one of America’s most powerful and principled legislators – is slated to be honored at the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region’s Annual Banquet on October 28, 2012.

Senator Reid, who heads the Democratic Majority of the Senate, has been a longstanding friend of Nevada’s Armenian community and an enduring voice, working at the very highest reaches of the U.S. Congress, in support of the views and values of Armenian American voters nationwide. He will, in honor of his service and support for the national and democratic aspirations of the Armenian people, receive the ANCA Freedom Award, the organization’s highest and most prestigious award before a capacity crowd at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this auspicious award from the Armenian National Committee of America,” said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. “The Armenian American community has made significant contributions to this nation, and I have been proud to represent a vibrant community in Nevada. Since coming to Congress, I have been fortunate to have been able to work with my friends in this community to pursue peace, truth, and justice around the world. I look forward to continuing this important partnership in years to come.”

Senator Reid, during his time in both the majority and minority leaderships of the Senate, has been a powerful force for issues of special concern to Armenian Americans, most notably in terms of his steadfast support for full and formal U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Beyond co-sponsoring every resolution seeking Senate recognition of the Armenian Genocide, he has, from his high office, spoken passionately to return America to the right side of this fundamental human rights issue. He played, very notably, a very prominent role in supporting the powerful and principled stand by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) in successfully blocking the confirmation of President Bush’s nominee, Richard Hoagland, to replace John Marshall Evans (who had been recalled due to his honest statements about the Armenian Genocide) as Ambassador to Armenia, due to his statements denying the Armenian Genocide.

“We are very pleased that Senator Reid will be among our community’s leading members as we honor him for his longstanding service to our nation and his enduring support for the democratic and humanitarian aspirations of the Armenian people,” said ANCA-WR Co-Chairman Chris Guldjian. “The Armenian American community is proud to count the Majority Leader among our close friends and most powerful allies in the struggle for truth, freedom, and justice for Armenians and all peoples.”

A man of humble origins, Senate Majority Leader Reid hails from the small town of Searchlight, Nevada, where he still lives. Over the years, his hard work and dedication to public service have taken him through the halls of local, state, and national government, where he has nobly served his constituents and the citizens of the United States, while being a leader respected by the membership of both political parties.

The 2012 ANCA-WR Annual Banquet is the premiere gathering for Armenian American political leaders and activists, will take place on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. To reserve seats, visit ancawr.org/banquet. For all other inquiries, please call 818-533-8587.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

Caption: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid