Anna Eshoo: “let me begin by thanking Representatives Pallone and Porter for their work on behalf of Armenia, and in particular for…”

“let me begin by thanking Representatives Pallone and Porter for their work on behalf of Armenia, and in particular for organizing this special order in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. Today marks the 82nd anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, an event that foreshadowed many dark moments to come in this century. In its final days, the Ottoman Empire systematically exterminated 1.5 million Armenians, and the forcibly deported 500,000 more. These tragic events began on April 24, 1915 when leaders of the Armenian community living in Constantinople were arrested and killed. Tragically the genocide lasted for eight years until 1923 and the international community never mounted any serious effort to bring it to an end. Armenians were deprived of their homes and businesses. Families were torn apart and individuals were robbed of their freedom and dignity. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians were forced to flee their homeland or risk death, and 1.5 million people lost their lives. As the only Member of Congress of Armenian descent, I believe what we are doing here tonight is important, not only because we honor the memory of the men, women and children who lost their lives, but also the millions of those who survived and have contributed to our nation. We cannot lapse in our efforts to speak out and teach about the atrocities of the past. When the international community stands silent, as they did in 1915, we allow the evil to flourish.”