[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 61 (Friday, April 24, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S4708]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 94TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, today I rise in honor of the victims of the 
Armenian Genocide, as we mark the 94th anniversary of this horrific 
tragedy.
  On April 24, 1915, the Ottoman Empire began a campaign of forced 
deportation against the Armenians. Around 2 million Armenian men, 
women, and children were driven from their homeland, 1.5 million of 
whom were killed. Hundreds of thousands were massacred outright, while 
others perished from forced marches, deliberate starvation, and 
epidemics that ravaged through concentration camps. Yet despite an 
outcry of condemnation by Great Britain, France, Russia, and the United 
States, no action was taken against the Ottoman Empire, as the first 
genocide of the 20th century continued.
  Today, the thriving, vibrant Armenian community in the United States 
is a testament to their endurance and strength. Yet we can never forget 
the loss and sacrifice of previous generations. Earlier this week, we 
also paid tribute to those killed in the Holocaust, and together, these 
anniversaries mark this week as a solemn reminder of what can occur 
when prejudice and hatred go unchecked. Just as we cherish the memories 
and stories of the Armenians persecuted by the Ottoman Empire and their 
survivors, so must we also honor them by recommitting ourselves to 
combat intolerance in all its forms.
  In my own home State of Nevada, I am proud to represent thousands of 
Armenian-Americans, many of whom gathered to commemorate the 94th 
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this past weekend in Las Vegas. I 
congratulate the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas for 
yet again organizing such a successful and meaningful event. This is a 
wonderful opportunity for the Armenian-American community and their 
supporters to come together in our State, which I am pleased is one of 
at least 40 other States who have recognized the Armenian Genocide.
  I extend my best wishes to the Nevadan Armenian-American community 
back home and thank them for their many contributions to our great 
State.
  I thank the Chair, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that 
the order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I would like to address the 
Senate.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator is recognized.

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