[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 91 (Thursday, May 14, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2448-S2449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               105TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I want to join my friends in the 
Armenian community in solemnly observing the 105th anniversary of the 
Armenian Genocide. While we could not commemorate the Armenian Genocide 
in Rhode Island as we normally would due to the pandemic, I know we are 
united in our belief in the bright future and resilience of the 
Armenian people.
  More than a century ago, one of the worst 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 massacre and oppression. By 1923, an estimated one 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 across the globe. The U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire 
during this dark time, Henry Morgenthau, Sr., unsuccessfully pleaded 
with President

[[Page S2449]]

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. Survivors of the Armenian Genocide 
contributed greatly 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 and the contributions of the Armenian people. 
Indeed, my home State of Rhode Island continues to be enriched by our 
strong and vibrant Armenian-American community.
  I was pleased when a resolution to encourage the U.S. to officially 
recognize the Armenian Genocide passed the Senate in December. 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 and a member 
of the Senate Appropriations 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.
  Thank you.

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