Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor the more than 1.5 million victims of Armenian genocide who perished 79 years ago. From 1915 through 1923, the Ottoman Empire systematically repressed and slaughtered its indigenous Armenian population. For too long, people have ignored or forgotten this unimaginable atrocity. The time has come for the United States, and people everywhere, to remember and honor the victims of this brutal crime against humanity. For 3,000 years, Armenians and Armenian culture had thrived in the area covered by the Ottoman Empire. However, beginning in 1915, Turkish authorities systematically wiped out nearly two-thirds of its Armenian population. Turkish authorities first executed intellectuals and doctors, then adult males, leaving the elderly, the very young, and women defenseless, as the Turkish government force them on death marches through the Southern Anatolian deserts. In 8 short years, Turkey managed to slaughter a vibrant, thriving, indigenous population. I am reminded of Hitler's question. 'Who today speaks of the extermination of the Armenians?' We all must. It is imperative that we all remember the incredible inhumanity of which people are capable, for to remember is to be vigilant. And vigilance is the only way we can ever keep such atrocities from reoccurring.”