[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 66 (Thursday, April 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E729-E730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          93RD ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATING THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 2008

  Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate 
the 93rd Anniversary of the Armenian genocide.
  Since being elected to the U.S. Congress, I have come to the floor of 
the House every year to solemnly remember the atrocities that began on 
April 24, 1915--when the Ottoman government ordered the deportation of 
2.5 million Armenians and oversaw the murder 1.5 million Armenian men, 
women, and children.
  Today, as I stand for the 10th time in recognition of the Armenian 
genocide, I do so with one major distinction from years past. This year 
is different because the House Foreign Affairs Committee has formally 
recognized the Armenian genocide. Last October, under the leadership of 
the late Chairman Tom Lantos, the Committee passed House Resolution 
106.
  As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I was proud to have 
been a part of this vote. And, as a strong supporter of the Armenian 
community, I will be proud when the full House of Representatives 
considers H. Res. 106.
  In 2003, during my first visit to Armenia, I planted a tree at the 
genocide memorial and paid homage to those who perished and suffered. 
It was a somber day, just like today's anniversary of the Armenian 
genocide. We not only participate in these events to remember the past, 
but also so we never forget.
  We must never forget the horrific events that took place 93 years 
ago. We must never

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forget those who were wrongly imprisoned, those who suffered and died, 
or those who lost their families and loved ones. And, most importantly, 
we must never forget that we must never let such atrocities occur 
again.
  Madam Speaker, today, as we commemorate the 93rd Anniversary of the 
Armenian genocide, I urge the House to prevent history from repeating 
itself by finally recognizing the past.

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