WASHINGTON — The National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial (NCAGC) honored Senator Bob Dole earlier this month with the organization’s Survivor’s Gratitude Award in the category of Hero of Responsibility and Principle for his tireless efforts in raising attention to the Armenian Genocide and its victims.
Dole has long been recognized as a friend to the Armenian community. In 1990, during the 75th anniversary of the Genocide, he issued a strong rebuke to the United States Senate for its refusal to declare a day of remembrance for the victims of the massacre. He remains highly respected among Armenians to this day.
“I am both honored and humbled to receive this award from the NCAGC,” said Dole. “But we must not forget that there is still much to be done to globally recognize what occurred a century ago. Only by acknowledging and accepting the past for what it is — however painful — can the world truly begin to work to heal and ensure a future free from genocide.”
Dole’s award will be transported to the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics where it will reside.
Dole’s recognition comes on the heels of a series of commemorative events which were hosted by the NCAGC in May of this year to honor the Genocide centennial. During a banquet ceremony in front of a crowd of nearly 2,000 Armenians from around the world and Armenian-Americans, 29 Survivor’s Gratitude Awards were presented as tokens of appreciation to individuals and organizations whose selfless and heroic actions have enabled the Armenian community to survive and thrive today.
“I would like to publicly express deep appreciation to Senator Dole on behalf of the Armenian community for his long-standing dedication to recognizing the Genocide of our people,” said Noubar Afeyan, chairman of the NCAGC Steering Committee. “If not for his actions, along with the actions of other brave men, women and organizations, the Armenian community would not exist as it does today.”
