Patrick Kennedy: “one of the most profound calls to action ever written emerged from the Holocaust. Martin Niemuller expressed so well the…”

“one of the most profound calls to action ever written emerged from the Holocaust. Martin Niemuller expressed so well the guilty anguish of silence: First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me. This quote is telling because it can be said as much for the Armenian genocide as the Jewish Holocaust. In fact, it has not been lost on historians of this century that the failure to recognize the Armenian genocide for what it was made it easier, not harder, for evil men like Hitler to believe they could do the same. Today we in Congress are solemnly observing the tragedy of the Armenian genocide. By observing this event we honor the bravery and courage of those who survived and we honor the memory of those who perished. By observing this event we take a small step toward ensuring that such horrors will never occur again. I am honored today to rise on behalf of Rhode Island's Armenian community--a vital and dynamic group that has made an incalculable contribution to the life of my State. During my years in the Rhode Island General Assembly I joined my colleagues in consistently passing resolutions commemorating the Armenian genocide.”