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SR 1080

SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY 19TH OF 2025 AS "GREEK AND PONTIC GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Hanna Gallo and 2 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates May 19 as Greek and Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day, a ceremonial tribute honoring victims and educating the public, with no funds or legal changes.

05/15/2025 Senate read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 1080

Summary: Rhode Island Senate Resolution SR 1080 — Greek and Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day

Overview

Senate Resolution SR 1080, introduced May 15, 2025 and sponsored by Senators Raptakis, Gallo, and Tikoian, proclaims May 19, 2025 as “Greek and Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day” in the State of Rhode Island. The resolution was read and passed by the Rhode Island Senate on May 15, 2025. As a resolution, it expresses the sentiments of the Senate and designates a ceremonial day rather than creating new law or allocating funds.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize and commemorate the Greek and Pontic Genocide (1913–1923) in the Ottoman Empire, including mass killings and forced displacements of Pontian Greeks, Anatolian/Asia Minor Greeks, Armenians, and Assyrians.
  • Honor the victims and acknowledge the resilience and contributions of Greek-American communities in Rhode Island.
  • Promote reflection on the atrocities to deter future genocides and educate the public about this history.

Key Provisions

  • The Senate proclaims May 19th each year as “Greek and Pontic Genocide Remembrance Day” in Rhode Island.
  • The resolution emphasizes solemn commemoration of the Greek and Pontic Genocide of 1913–1923.
  • It memorializes the victims and survivors, and acknowledges the importance of remembering these events as a lesson to prevent repetition of atrocities.
  • The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of the resolution to Miltiadis Tsavdaridis, President of the Pan-Pontian Federation of the USA and Canada.

Who Is Affected

  • Greek and Pontic Greek communities in Rhode Island, as well as a broader audience within the state who participate in or observe remembrance activities.
  • The Secretary of State, who is tasked with transmitting certified copies of the resolution to the Pan-Pontian Federation leadership.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced and referred on May 15, 2025; designated as “Recommended for Immediate Consideration.”
  • On May 15, 2025, the Senate read and passed the resolution.
  • The designated day is May 19th each year, beginning in 2025, for solemn remembrance.

Context and Notes

  • The resolution provides historical background, citing the Pontian Greek genocide (1913–1923) and the Armenian Genocide context, with figures and describes acts of forced relocation, violence, and cultural destruction.
  • There is no fiscal impact or statutory change; the act is ceremonial in nature, aiming to recognize history and promote awareness.

Sponsor

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Raptakis (with support from Senators Gallo and Tikoian).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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