[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 68 (Thursday, April 25, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING THE 104TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TJ COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2019

  Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
104th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. April 24, 1915 marked the 
beginning of the Ottoman Turks' systematic deportation and murder of 
over 1.5 million Christian Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians, marking 
the first genocide of the 20th century.
  To this day, however, neither the President of the United States nor 
Congress have recognized this tragedy as what it is: a genocide. This 
does not do justice to the vibrant Armenian-American community in the 
Central Valley--a result of survivors settling anew after being 
displaced. The families of the Central Valley have not forgotten the 
pain of their ancestors and continue to advocate for justice with 
passion and persistence. Today, I am proud to be their voice and have 
joined my colleagues in introducing a Resolution this Congress, 
recognizing and memorializing the Armenian Genocide.
  The Armenian people are a great example of what it means to move 
forward while remembering who they are and where they come from. 
Recognizing what happened in 1915 as genocide is the first step towards 
reconciling with the past, something that is long overdue. We must 
reconsider our relationship with Turkey and entities that deny the 
Armenian genocide and uphold our American values by promoting justice 
and peace. It is our responsibility to ensure our future generations 
never forget this critical moment in history and that we continue 
pushing for its official recognition.
  Madam Speaker, I call upon my colleagues to join me in condemning all 
crimes against humanity in the past, present, and future. We must learn 
from this atrocity and continue to advocate for the protection of human 
rights for the Armenian people, and for all.

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