Azbarez writes that the Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region, honored Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on October 28 with the organization’s highest and most prestigious “Freedom Award.”
We should recall that Senator Reid could not attend ANCA’s annual banquet because of a car accident two days earlier.
Fortunately Reid’s state is very good and he had sent a letter to ANCA.
Harut Sassounian said the following:
“I observed that “the Majority Leader has diligently worked, often quietly, at the highest echelons of the US government to defend Armenian-American issues and values. He has cosponsored every Senate resolution to reaffirm the Armenian Genocide.”
Due to Sen. Reid’s understandable absence from the banquet, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachigian read the Senator’s prepared remarks and accepted the Freedom Award on his behalf. Here are highlights from Sen. Reid’s speech:
“I am disappointed that, because of an automobile accident, I can’t be with you tonight. I appreciate Harut Sassounian for his advocacy for these many years, and ultimately, his friendship.
The Armenian National Committee has, of course, always been at the forefront of supporting Armenia and the causes that are important to the Armenian-American community.
“I have enjoyed my relationship with Armenian-Americans — from my marathon training partner Art Dakesian to my friend and former law client, Kirk Kerkorian.
Having been born in a home in Searchlight, Nevada, with no inside toilet, hot water or other modern conveniences was hard for me to accept. My parents were uneducated; my father didn’t graduate from the eighth grade and my mother didn’t graduate from high school. In most ways, things surrounding my youth were not exemplary.
It took me many years to really accept who I was. But my youth — the place and circumstances of my birth — made me who I am. Once I personally accepted this, I became a better person, a better American.
So, I say to each of you, no matter the circumstances of your upbringing — accept it. Because in America, it doesn’t matter, and I testify to this. It doesn’t matter your economic circumstances, your religion, the education of your parents or your ethnicity. In America, we can all succeed. In short, be proud of who you are.
“I am pleased to accept this award and reaffirm my support for the Armenian-American community.
I repeat, the Armenian National Committee of America has always been at the forefront of supporting Armenia and the causes important to the Armenian-American community.
You have succeeded in bringing the true story of the Armenian Genocide to the attention of national policy leaders.
As Majority Leader, I rarely cosponsor legislation. But I have traveled to Armenia; I know the story of the Genocide. Therefore, I have been a long-time cosponsor of the Armenian Genocide resolution.
To move forward, I believe we must acknowledge the past — no matter how difficult or painful. We must honor the memory of those who lost their lives and pay tribute to those who survived.
I am fortunate to represent a thriving and vibrant Armenian community in Nevada, which will soon complete a new church in Las Vegas. And while I was in Armenia, I visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Catholicos.
The endurance and strength of the Armenian community in Nevada, and throughout the United States is a testament and an honor to those who were lost in the Genocide. We must always be vigilant to atrocities like the Armenian Genocide from occurring ever again — in any part of the world” Sen. Reid concluded his remarks urging Armenian-Americans to be “very proud of where you come from and of your Armenian heritage.”
