The Rhode Island Senate has introduced a resolution to officially proclaim May 19th, 2025, as "Greek and Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day." This resolution acknowledges the tragic history of the Greek population in the Ottoman Empire, particularly from 1913 to 1923, during which over 353,000 Pontian Greeks and more than a million Anatolian Greeks, along with Armenians and Assyrians, were systematically exterminated. The resolution highlights the brutal methods employed by the Ottoman Turks, including forced relocations, death marches, and cultural destruction, marking this period as one of the first mass genocides of the 20th century.

The resolution emphasizes the importance of remembering the victims of the Greek Genocide and honoring the survivors and their descendants, who have significantly contributed to the cultural fabric of Rhode Island. It calls for a solemn commemoration each year on May 19th, aligning with the 106th anniversary of the genocide in 2025, to ensure that such atrocities are recognized and never repeated. The resolution will be transmitted to the President of the Pan-Pontian Federation of the USA and Canada, reinforcing the commitment to remembrance and education regarding this dark chapter in history.

Introduced By: Senators Raptakis, Gallo, and Tikoian
Date Introduced: May 15
Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration