[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 56 (Monday, April 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E657]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E657]]


             THE 81ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 1996

  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues today in 
remembering the tragedy endured by the Armenian people in the years 
1915-23.
  Extensive massacres of Armenians took place during that period in 
eastern Anatolian plains in an atmosphere akin to a horrible civil war. 
Those events have indelibly and permanently marked the consciousness of 
many Americans, including Americans of Armenian descent, who are 
commemorating April 24, 1996, as a national day of remembrance of man's 
inhumanity to man and a special day of remembrance for the Armenian 
victims of strife in the early years of this century.
  April 24 marks the 81st anniversary of the calamity. It is 
appropriate on this occasion to direct our attention and prayers to the 
memory of the vast number of victims who died in these tragic events.
  It is the interest of all of us and in the interest of mankind that 
this type of tragedy not occur again. The leading organizations of the 
Armenian-American community have been seeking to work within our 
political system for a statement concerning these critical events in 
their heritage.
  This year in the House of Representatives that vehicle is House 
Concurrent Resolution 47, honoring the memory of the victims of the 
massacres of Armenians, of which I am proud to be a cosponsor. No one 
can deny these events and the centrality of these events in modern 
Armenian history. I am proud to be associated today with my colleagues 
on this important day of remembrance.
  I would also like to salute the Republic of Armenia, which continues 
to move forward in its democratic and economic reforms. This country of 
3.3 million people is already developing important ties with the United 
States. Americans have an interest in the economic development of 
Armenia, its progress toward a free market economy, and its development 
of democratic institutions. We want to work with Armenia and its 
neighbors to insure peace, stability, and progress in their search for 
greater freedom and security. There is no better way to honor the 
misdeeds of the past than rededicating ourselves to a better future.
  Today in Europe, we have a chance to advance the cause of peace and 
stability more vigorously and on a wider scale than ever before. I 
salute all governments, private organizations, and individuals, 
including the Armenians, who are working toward this end. I hope that 
their efforts will make the world a safer place, where innocent people 
no longer suffer the unspeakable crimes of war and terror.

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