[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 59 (Friday, April 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 98TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 26, 2013

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 98th 
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
   In the wake of World War I, the Ottoman Empire launched a campaign 
of terror against their own Armenian citizens. From 1915 to 1923, 
forced deportations displaced 2 million Armenians. Unarmed men were 
separated from their families and were either forced into concentration 
camps or taken away to be executed. Innocent women and children were 
systematically stripped of their possessions and driven into what is 
now the Syrian Desert. During these ``Death Marches'' they were 
subjected to starvation, sickness, and abuse amid brutal conditions. In 
the end, nearly 1.5 million Armenians had lost their lives in what 
became the first genocide of the 20th century.
   Although these atrocities occurred almost a century ago, it is 
imperative to remember the suffering that was endured as a result of 
unrestrained human malice. To acknowledge this truth is necessary, not 
just out of respect for our fellow citizens of Armenian descent, but 
also in hope that we can prevent such heinous crimes from occurring in 
the future.
   Today, I call on my colleagues to join me in somber remembrance of 
the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during this dark period of 
history, and to honor the strength and resolve of the Armenian 
community still working to overcome this tragedy.

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