s-press_073_001_003_tr.txt

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"We'll Never Forget the Faces... "

Bob and Elizabeth Dole - Spitak, Armenia - August 23, 1989

Armenian Earthquake Survivors: A Generation of Orphans, A Republic in Shambles.

Dear Friend:

As we count our blessings this holiday season, Elizabeth and I will also remember the tragedy and destruction we saw firsthand during our summer visit to earthquake-ravaged Armenia. 25,000 people were killed by last year's massive quake, while five times that number were injured and more than half a million left homeless.

But numbers alone can't possibly describe the ruin, the suffering and the stark images of death: A collapsed school building in Leninakan where 400 children died in an instant; a hillside cemetery on the outskirts of town with 8,000 new graves; and everywhere the faces of the men, women and children struggling to rebuild their lives amidst the rubble and the heartbreak.

While it is clear the Soviet Union has the primary responsibility for rebuilding Armenia, it is equally clear international assistance is desperately needed. Our visit convinced us that local medical, reconstruction, rehabilitation and recovery efforts have been overwhelmed by the scope of the disaster.

Meanwhile, winter is sweeping across the rugged Armenian landscape, as hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors face the bitter elements in tents and crude shacks.

Americans have already responded generously, but much more needs to be done. The people of Armenia are courageous and tough, their spirit indomitable, but they need a helping hand.

Elizabeth and I are asking if you might help with a contribution today. Please see reverse side for additional information. Thank you, and may God bless you and your family this holiday season.

(handwritten signature) Elizabeth Dole (handwritten signature) Bob Dole







Senator and Mrs. Bob Dole
511 Capitol Court, N.E.
Suite 100
Washington, D.C. 20002

Armenian relief organizations need your support.

In an effort to coordinate financial assistance, please mail your most generous contribution to Senator Dole's attention. He will present your gift (along with others) to the appropriate Armenian relief organizations.

Checks should be payable to:
American Public Policy Institute

Checks should be mailed to:
American Public Policy Institute
c/o Senator Bob Dole
511 Capitol Court, N.E.
Suite 100
Washington, D.C. 20002

YOUR CONTRIBUTION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS A CHARITABLE DONATION.

Thank you for assisting Bob and Elizabeth Dole in this effort.