Sen. Bob Dole Received the ‘Survivor’s Gratitude Award’ for His Commitment to Recognizing the Armenian Genocide
WASHINGTON—On Sept. 30, the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial (NCAGC) honored former Senator Bob Dole 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.
Senator Bob Dole receives the Survivor’s Gratitude Award from NCAGC Steering Committee Chairman Noubar Afeyan
Dole has long been recognized as a friend to the Armenian community. In 1990, on the 75th anniversary of the genocide, then-Senator Dole issued a strong rebuke to the U.S. 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 that were hosted by the NCAGC in May to honor the Armenian Genocide Centennial. During a banquet ceremony in front of a crowd of nearly 2,000 diasporans, 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.”
On the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the NCAGC continues its work to strengthen the ties that bind the Armenian community so that it may prosper for the next 100 years and more.
NCAGC began with the united efforts of the Diocese and Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Churches of America, East and West Coasts. The NCAGC provides a unique opportunity to bring Armenians together from across the country and the diaspora to join in remembering and honoring those lost in the genocide 100 years ago. Showing a unity of spirit and purpose, the events also serve to raise awareness of the genocide and thank the institutions and individuals who have helped Armenians to survive and thrive.
Source: Armenian Weekly
Link: Bob Dole Honored as ‘Hero of Responsibility and Principle’ by NCAGC