[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 65 (Monday, April 23, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               103RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, this week we solemnly observe the 103rd 
anniversary of the Armenian genocide.
  Over a century ago, one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century 
began when the Young Turk leaders of the Ottoman Empire executed more 
than 200 prominent Armenians. What followed was an 8-year systematic 
campaign of oppression and massacre. By 1923, an estimated 1.5 million 
Armenians were killed, and over a half a million survivors were exiled.
  These atrocities affected the lives of every Armenian living in Asia 
Minor and, indeed, across the globe. The U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman 
Empire during this dark time, Henry Morgenthau, Sr., unsuccessfully 
pleaded with President Wilson to take action and later remembered the 
events of the genocide, saying, ``I am confident that the whole history 
of the human race contains no such horrible episode as this. The great 
massacres and persecutions of the past seem almost insignificant when 
compared to the sufferings of the Armenian race in 1915.'' Clearly, the 
suffering of the Armenian people must never be forgotten.
  The survivors of the Armenian genocide, however, persevered due to 
their unbreakable spirit and steadfast resolve and went on to greatly 
contribute to the lands in which they found new homes and communities, 
including the United States. That is why we not only commemorate this 
grave tragedy each year, but we also take this moment to celebrate the 
traditions, the contributions, as well as the bright future of the 
Armenian people. Indeed, my home State of Rhode Island continues to be 
enriched by our strong and vibrant Armenian-American community.
  This genocide has been denied for far too long. To honor the memory 
of this tragedy, I have joined with several of my colleagues on 
resolutions over the years to encourage the U.S. to officially 
recognize the Armenian genocide.
  As we remember the past, we remain committed to forging a brighter 
future. We must continue to guard against hatred and oppression so that 
we can prevent such crimes against humanity.
  As ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I remain 
committed to supporting assistance to Armenia to strengthen security, 
promote economic growth, and foster democratic reforms and development.
  We must find a way to come together to recognize the truth of what 
happened and to provide unwavering support and assistance to those 
facing persecution today.

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