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Greek Communities Commemorate The Pontian Greek Genocide |
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Worldwide, Greek communities commemorate the Pontian Greek Genocide on May 19th - the date in 1919 when Mustafa Kemal-Ataturk, the founder of modern-day Turkey, initiated the second phase of the Pontian ethnic cleansing and genocide in the city of Samsun on the Black Sea.
In the words of Dr. H. Psomiades in a speech sponsored by the Pontian Greek Society of Chicago on May 19th 2006, in Des Plaines, Illinois:
….“May 19 is recognized as the day of remembrance of the genocide inflicted upon the Greeks of Pontos.
It is a day of remembrance of the loss of a homeland of 3,000 years and of the more than 300,000 Pontian souls who were slaughtered outright or were victims of the white death of disease and starvation-a result of the routine process of deportations, slave labor and the killings and death marches.
It is a day of remembrance of the 75,000 Pontians who refused to be exchanged and fled over the border to
Russia with the hope that they would one day return to their highland villages, and of the thousands who against overwhelming odds answered the call of resistance.
It is also a day of remembrance of the Pontian elite who were condemned to death by the kangaroo courts or Turkish Tribunal of
Independence at Amassia, and of the 30,000 Pontians who sought refuge in
France and the
New World.
It is a day of remembrance for the remaining 250,000 destitute Pontians who left for
Greece as a result of the compulsory population exchange."
As descendants of the survivors of this painful period of history, we will continue to seek recognition and promote awareness of these tragic events. Once an acknowledgement is made, and a sincere apology offered by the Turkish government, forgiveness and reconciliation can follow between the Turkish and Greek people. By educating the future leaders of our society about these shameful historical events, we hope to do our part in preventing such crimes from ever being repeated. |
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State of Illinois Executive Department Proclamation |
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 Illinois State Proclamation Pronounces May 19 as Pontian Greek Remembrance Day
Illinois prides itself on cultural diversity and stories from each country's past, preserves the rich heritage of its people.
The proclamation states that
Illinois prides itself on cultural diversity, and stories from each country’s past preserves the rich heritage of the people and teaches valuable lessons for society.
The genocide of the Greek people from the
Pontus region occurred between 1914 and 1923 and resulted in 353,000 Pontian Greeks and 150,000 others who died from a forced march to the Syrian border. Greeks, Armenians, and Assyrians were targeted by Ottoman Turkish authorities for government-sanctioned displacement.
The survivors and their descendants today live throughout the Greek Diaspora, including the
United States.
Illinois is proud of its vibrant Greek communities and joins in commemorating this historical event. Acknowledgment and awareness of this shameful event teaches future generations and helps prevent these crimes from being repeated.
May 19, 2006 was pronounced Pontian Greek Remembrance Day. The document was signed by Governor Rod Blagojevich and Secretary of State Jesse White.
State Proclamation PDF image |
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Office of the Secretary of State Proclamation |
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May 19, 2006 - Day of Remembrance
for Victims of the Pontian Greek Genocide
The proclamation is for a Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Pontian Greek Genocide, May 19, 2006
It notes that
Illinois is home to many ethnic communities who benefit from freedom and democracy. As a global leader in basic and human rights,
Illinois has a prominent role in acknowledging history that teaches lessons from which society benefits. One such event is the genocide of the Greek population of the
Pontus region of the northern coast of Asia Minor that took the lives of 353,000 in
Pontus and 150,000 in other regions of
Asia Minor.
The Greeks of Pontus were targeted in a government-sanctioned displacement with forced marches across the Anatolian plains. Survivors were exiled from
Turkey and today live in the Greek diaspora, including the
United States.
The proclamation acknowledges the brutality of the campaign against the Greeks, Armenians, and Assyrians that was largely unchecked by the world community. Awareness of the event will instill in youth a respect for other cultures, races, religions, and viewpoints.
Illinoisans share in commemorating the Greek genocide of 1914-1923 and join with the Greek community to honor the sacrifices and memory of their ancestors.
May 19 was proclaimed as Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day. It was signed by Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State. |
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