[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 45 (Thursday, April 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               THE 79TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 1994

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of the 
79th anniversary of Armenian Genocide that occurred in Turkey from 
1915-1923. The torture, violence, and degradation against the Armenian 
community marked a disturbing page in world history. I join my 
colleagues in this special tribute commemorating the fortitude of those 
who survived and the memory of those who died.
  In 1915, the Ottoman Empire was attempting to fight off a Russian 
invasion and contain the increasing fervor of Armenian nationalism in 
eastern Turkey. Ottoman government leaders adopted an anti-Armenian 
agenda which included the extermination of males that were of fighting 
age, and the mass deportation of women and children to Syria. As a 
result, 1.5 million Armenians died through massacres, disease, and 
starvation. The wave of violence and brutality left deep scars in the 
hearts and minds of thousands of people who escaped death and were 
forcibly exiled from their homeland.
  Today, I join my colleagues in commemorating the 79th anniversary of 
the Armenian genocide so that this inhumane tragedy will never be 
repeated. In recognition of the courage of the men, women, and children 
who lost their lives during the Armenian Genocide and in honor of the 
Armenian community in the United States, I support efforts to make 
April 24 a national day of remembrance.

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