The Rhode Island General Assembly has introduced a resolution, SR 1080, 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 atrocities committed, including forced relocations, death marches, and cultural destruction, and emphasizes the importance of remembering these events to prevent future genocides.

The resolution also serves to honor the survivors and descendants of the victims, recognizing their contributions to society and culture in Rhode Island. It calls for a solemn commemoration each year on May 19th, aligning with the 106th anniversary of the Pontian Greek Genocide in 2025. The Senate expresses its commitment to remembering this dark chapter in history and learning from it to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. The resolution will be transmitted to the President of the Pan-Pontian Federation of the USA and Canada.

Introduced by Senators Raptakis, Gallo, and Tikoian, the resolution was introduced on May 15 and is recommended for immediate consideration.