Valadao, Armenian Community Celebrate Ghazir Rug Display

Press Release

Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) and Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-28) joined with the Armenian Assembly of America, the Armenian National Committee of America, fellow Members of Congress, and many others from the Armenian-American community for a press conference recognizing and celebrating the display of the Armenian Orphan Rug at the White House Visitors Center.

Last week, the White House announced their decision to display the Armenian Orphan Rug, also known as the Ghazir Rug, as part of an exhibit at the White House Visitors Center. The exhibit, entitled "Thank You to the United States: Three Gifts to Presidents in Gratitude for American Generosity Abroad," will display the artifact which was woven by orphans of the Armenian Genocide given to President Calvin Coolidge in 1925 as a symbol of gratitude for American aid and generosity during the genocide.

Since taking office, Rep. Valadao has worked together with members of the Armenian community to encourage the White House to display the rug. He and Rep. Schiff led a letter along with 31 other Members of Congress to President Barack Obama last year urging the Administration to allow exhibition of the rug.

Congressman Valadao stated, "My Congressional District is home to a very large Armenian population that has a very strong presence in our community. The Armenian Orphan Rug is a shared piece of American and Armenian history that should be available to the public. I am excited my colleagues and I were able to help secure the public display of the rug so that others may learn about an important part of American and Armenian history. I appreciate the efforts of the Administration to ensure this artifact was made available at the White House Visitors Center. This morning, I even had the opportunity to view the rug in person."

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