Norma Torres: “each year, for the past 5 or 6 years of my memory, my colleagues, Mr. Pallone and Mr. Porter, have organized this…”

“each year, for the past 5 or 6 years of my memory, my colleagues, Mr. Pallone and Mr. Porter, have organized this special congressional opportunity for this body to pause to honor the memory of the 1 million Armenians who were killed between 1915 and 1923 by agents of the Turkish Ottoman Empire in what is known in infamy as the Armenian Genocide. In essence, we retell a story of a moment in history, an event which began some 82 years ago. I have notices that each year, I find myself using the same words to tell this story, and I realize that this process of retelling the facts of genocide, committed against the people of Armenia is in itself a very important event. For in retelling this story of the horror which was perpetuated, we remember to be vigilant against the planting of the seeds of future atrocities. I would like to add that my district, the 34th Congressional District of California, has what I believe is the only monument in the United States which commemorates and records the genocide against the Armenian people. The citizens of the 34th Congressional District have strong feelings about today's commemoration, and on their behalf I am here today to share with you this retelling of an old and difficult story.”