[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 1, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               104th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, on Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend 
the 104th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian genocide, hosted at 
the Armenian Martyrs Memorial in Providence, RI. I was pleased to be 
able to join with so many in the Armenian community in my home State 
for this solemn event.
  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 campaign of 
oppression and massacre. By 1923, an estimated 1 and a half 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 throughout the world.
  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.''
  Those who survived the Armenian genocide, however, persevered due to 
their unbreakable spirit and steadfast resolve, going on to greatly 
contribute to the lands in which they established new homes and 
communities, including the United States. That is why we not only 
commemorate this grave tragedy each year, but also take the time to 
celebrate the traditions, the contributions, and 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.
  To honor the memory of this tragedy, I have once again joined with 
several of my colleagues on a resolution to encourage the U.S. to 
officially recognize the Armenian genocide. We must find a way to come 
together to recognize the truth of what happened and support and assist 
those facing persecution today.
  As ranking member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I also 
remain committed to supporting assistance to Armenia to strengthen 
security, promote economic growth, and foster democratic reforms and 
development.
  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 from happening again.

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