[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 3, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2005

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90th 
Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
  April 24th, of every year, marks the anniversary of the Armenian 
Genocide. Ninety years ago, 1.5 million innocent Armenians were killed 
at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. This, the first genocide of the 
20th century, must be remembered, acknowledged, and continuously 
reaffirmed.
  It must be our goal to remind the Congress, remind the country, and 
remind the world that the Genocide happened. It is a historical fact, 
and we will never forget.
  The United States should affirm the genocide once and for all for so 
many reasons. But one of the most important reasons is so that we 
prevent atrocities from happening in the future.
  If we're ever going to prevent genocides in the future, the world has 
to admit to the past. When genocides happen, we have to condemn them 
for what they are.
  The quote from Adolf Hitler, in justifying his evil acts, says it 
all--``who remembers today the extermination of the Armenians?''
  Well, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I'm 
here today to answer that question. We remember. And we'll never 
forget.
  And we're not alone by a long shot. In fact, 37 States in this 
country have formally recognized the Armenian Genocide. I think that's 
a strong statement about the level of support in this country for 
recognizing the Genocide.
  And of course the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues is fully 
committed to this cause. On April 24th of every year, the President is 
required to issue a statement on the Armenian Genocide. Recently, 178 
Members of the House of Representatives, and 32 Senators sent letters 
to the President urging him to use the word ``genocide'' in this year's 
statement.
  We will continue our efforts here in Congress and use all the means 
at our disposal.
  Some dispute the charge against the Ottomans, but let me make my 
feelings clear; the Armenian Genocide happened, and it is the duty and 
responsibility of the United States and this Congress to affirm that. I 
rise today, to reaffirm my position; it is time the United States 
Congress does the same.

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