Benjamin Gilman: “At this time of year the descendants and relatives of those Armenians who died in the series of deportations and…”

“At this time of year the descendants and relatives of those Armenians who died in the series of deportations and executions organized by the Turkish Ottoman Empire during the First World War gather at ceremonies across America to honor those victims' memory. I am pleased to join in this special order today, organized to commemorate those who died in that series of brutal programs and attacks--the effects of which were tantamount to a campaign of genocide. Although those who died in those tragic and violent days did not live to see it, the Armenian nation has now re-emerged, despite the terrible loss of life that has been suffered under the Ottoman Empire and the eight decades of communist dictatorship under the former Soviet Union. Today, the independent state of Armenia stands as clear proof that indeed the Armenian people have survived the challenges of the past-- and will survive the challenges of the present and future as well. Mr. Speaker, as we today honor the memory of those who lost their lives long before the Armenian nation regained its independence, let us today look forward to that day when the new, independent Republic of Armenia and its people will live in peace with their neighbors--a peace that will never see Armenian men, women and children subjected to the horrors and atrocities their ancestors experienced eighty years ago.”