Political Quotes

“I rise today to remember the Armenian victims of the genocide brought upon them by the Ottoman Turkish Empire and to commend my colleagues, the gentleman from New Jersey, Congressman Frank Pallone, and the gentleman from Michigan, Congressman Joe Knollenberg, for organizing this special order today so that Members of the House may take the time to remember this solemn occasion. April 24th marks the beginning of the systematic and deliberate campaign of genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Turkish Empire in 1915. Over the following 8 years, 1.5 million Armenians were tortured and murdered, and more than half a million were forced from their homeland into exile. Regrettably, in the years since, the Turkish Government has refused to apologize for these atrocious acts, or even acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, despite overwhelming documentation. By recognizing the victims of the genocide, we commemorate both those who perished and those who were able to begin a new life in communities like my home State of Rhode Island, where many Armenian families continue to thrive today. I hope that recognition of this atrocity will help erase the remnants of an era in which propaganda and deceit held precedence over truth and human dignity. Our nation must never allow oppression and persecution to pass without condemnation. Armenians are a strong, resilient people, struggling to heal the wounds of the past.”