[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DAVID N. CICILLINE

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2012

  Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the 1.5 million 
Armenians, men, women, and children, who were massacred under the 
Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 20th century.
  Each year, Armenians throughout the world mark April 24 as Genocide 
Remembrance Day by honoring those who perished from 1915 to 1923, and I 
join my friends and colleagues in remembering the victims today.
  It's important to raise awareness about the Armenian genocide not 
only because it is an undeniable chapter in world history, but also 
because learning more about this horrific tragedy underscores the 
importance of eliminating intolerance and bigotry wherever it occurs.
  I have enormous respect and admiration for the strength, resilience, 
and perseverance of the Armenian-American community. Over the decades 
since this massacre in their homeland occurred they built lives, homes, 
and businesses, and raised families in Rhode Island and across the 
country.
  As the Congressman from Rhode Island's First Congressional District, 
I have the honor of representing many Armenian-Americans who grew up 
hearing family stories about the atrocities firsthand, as many are 
children and grandchildren of genocide survivors. Armenian-Americans 
living in my home state of Rhode Island have made significant 
contributions through their leadership in business, law, academia, 
government, and the arts.
  As a cosponsor of the Affirmation of the United States Record on the 
Armenian Genocide Resolution, House Resolution 304, I strongly believe 
that the time has come for the United States government to recognize 
this atrocity for what it was--genocide.
  I join my colleagues today in remembering and honoring the victims of 
the Armenian genocide.