Bob Dole: “On April 24 each year, we commemorate the anniversary of the first genocide of the 20th century. Beginning on April 24…”

“On April 24 each year, we commemorate the anniversary of the first genocide of the 20th century. Beginning on April 24, 1915 with the arrest, exile and/or murder of 200 Armenian religious, political and intellectual leaders, the Armenian genocide continued on through 1923, claiming 1 million lives. Sadly, 79 years later, genocide remains a reality. One need look no further than Bosnia to see ethnic extermination in progress. Madam President, before planning the final solution, Hitler asked, 'Who remembers the Armenians?' As we commemorate the deaths of so many innocent people, let us not allow the same question to be asked by Serbian leaders. I rise today to join my colleagues in an expression of profound sadness at the remembrance of the tragic events of the Armenian genocide. It was the first occurrence of genocide in the 20th century, but it was not the last. We must do all in our power to assure that the evils of history do not repeat themselves. That is the only way to fully pay tribute to past victims of genocide. Madam President, in an era of increased ethnic unrest, we must remain ever more vigilant. Almost eight decades after the beginning of the genocide in Armenia, ethnic tensions remain in Armenia. It has been said that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat its mistakes. Let us not forget the past.”