Lucille Roybal-Allard: “I rise today to observe one of the most tragic events in our history, the Armenian Genocide, which took place during the…”

“I rise today to observe one of the most tragic events in our history, the Armenian Genocide, which took place during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. Each year on April 24th, the Armenian community, along with their friends and supporters around the world gather in remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives. The facts on the Armenian genocide are well documented. By the direction of the Ottoman Government, thousands of Armenian citizens were ruthlessly killed in their eastern Anatolian villages. Hundreds of thousands more were forcibly deported to Syria and then marched into the desert and abandoned without water, food, or shelter. This tragedy of history has left deep scars in the hearts and minds of its survivors and their descendants. In remembrance of one of the twentieth century's darkest chapters, we must make a commitment to ourselves and to our children that such atrocities will not be allowed to repeat themselves ever again. Following the war, hundreds of displaced Armenians came to the United States to rebuild their shattered lives. Their contribution, as well as that of their descendants, has greatly enriched American society. It is my hope that the memories of the past will serve to remind us of the importance of tolerance and respect for the diversity of our people.”