Anna Eshoo: “I would like to thank Mr. Lehman and my colleagues who are helping to raise awareness about the Armenian genocide and…”

“I would like to thank Mr. Lehman and my colleagues who are helping to raise awareness about the Armenian genocide and memorialize the Armenians who were exterminated at the beginning of this century. While this was the greatest tragedy to befall the Armenian people, it certainly is not the only one--it's one of many events that has shaken the Armenian people. Despite the genocide, despite the earthquake in 1988, and despite the tragic war in Nagorno Karabagh, the Armenians have remained a strong people, united by enduring faith and character. The Armenian people have a powerful sense of family and know how to take care of one another. I know this well, for these are my people. As the only Member of Congress of Armenian descent, I know full well how the Ottoman empire decimated our people and wrote one of the darkest chapters in human history. I am committed to ensure that the suffering of my people does not go unnoticed. April 24, 1915, was the day hundreds of Armenian leaders were arrested and executed in Istanbul and other areas. As we approach the 79th anniversary of this event, we remember the martyrs and honor their memory--as well as the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who later followed them in death at the hands of the Ottoman empire.”