The resolution acknowledges Rhode Island's diverse ethnic communities and the historical atrocities committed by the Ottoman Turks against the Pontian and Anatolian Greeks, Armenians, and Assyrians between 1914 and 1922. It describes the systematic extermination and forced expulsion of these populations, highlighting the mass genocide of the Pontian Greeks as the first of the 20th century and the Armenian Genocide, which resulted in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians and the displacement of 500,000 more.
The resolution emphasizes the importance of remembering the victims of the Pontian Genocide and learning from this tragic event to prevent future atrocities. It pays tribute to the survivors and their descendants for their contributions to Rhode Island's culture and as a symbol of hope for oppressed people worldwide. The Senate of Rhode Island commits to joining the Greek-American community in commemorating the Pontian Genocide on May 19th annually and will mark the 105th anniversary in 2024. The resolution also directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to relevant Greek-American and Greek community leaders.