[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 53 (Thursday, May 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E682-E683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMEMORATION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 24, 2002

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in somber 
remembrance of the horrors of the Armenian Genocide. It is essential to 
reflect on the evils of the past to ensure that historical lessons are 
properly understood. It is in an effort to accomplish this that I call 
on my colleagues, as well as the international community, to remember 
and recognize the genocide of over a million Armenians by the Ottoman 
Empire.
  During the end of the Ottoman Empire, the Armenian people were the 
victims of an atrocity of a horrifying magnitude. As many as 1.5 
million were massacred through forced exile and murder. Refugees were 
scattered throughout the region and many found their way to the United 
States. As events during the Holocaust, as well as in Rwanda and 
Bosnia, have demonstrated, we have yet to fully internalize the lessons 
taught us by the dehumanizing actions of the Ottoman Empire against the 
Armenians. Human rights violations and discrimination due to ethnic 
background are still prevalent throughout the world. As such it is more 
important than ever that the genocide experienced by the Armenians is 
recognized by the world community. It is only through such recognition 
that we as a society can begin to ensure that such events will not 
happen again. In line with this goal, I specifically call on the 
country of Turkey to formally recognize the genocide.
  I join with the Armenians today in sad remembrance of the horrible 
crimes committed against their people. I appreciate the support that 
the Armenian people have demonstrated as our own nation has dealt with 
the horrors of September 11. I am confidant that the friendship between 
Armenia and the U.S. will continue to flourish as we work together for 
freedom and prosperity in both our nations.

[[Page E683]]



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