Dianne Feinstein: “Yesterday, April 24, marked the 85th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian genocide. I rise today to acknowledge…”

“Yesterday, April 24, marked the 85th anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian genocide. I rise today to acknowledge and commemorate this terrible crime and to help ensure that it will never be forgotten. On April 24, 1915, the Ottoman Empire launched a brutal and unconscionable policy of mass murder. Over an eight year period, 1.5 million Armenians were killed, and another 500,000 were driven from their homes, their property and land confiscated. As Americans, we are blessed with freedom and security, but that blessing brings with it an important responsibility. We must never allow oppression and persecution to pass without condemnation. By commemorating the Armenian genocide, we renew our commitment always to fight for human dignity and freedom, and we send out a message that the world can never allow genocide to be perpetrated again. Even as we remember the tragedy and honor the dead, we also honor the living. Out of the ashes of their history Armenians all across the world have clung to their identity and have prospered in new communities. My State of California is fortunate to be home to a community of Armenian-Americans a half a million strong. They are a strong and vibrant community whose members participate in every aspect of civic life, and California is richer for their presence. Let us never forget the victims of the Armenian genocide; let their deaths not be in vain.”