[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7429]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                84TH COMMEMORATION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MARTIN T. MEEHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 1999

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 84th anniversary 
of the Armenian Genocide that took place this past weekend at points 
across the country. The events that took place between 1915 to 1923, 
when 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children were systematically 
mistreated and killed, represent one of the most dark and the most 
devastating chapters in human history. Armenians were tortured, had 
their property confiscated, and thousands died from malnutrition and 
starvation during long, forced marches from their homeland in Eastern 
Turkey.
  Tragically, the 20th century is now finishing much like it started. 
The Armenian Genocide not only foreshadowed the nightmare of the Nazi 
Holocaust, but now shows dangerous parallels to the situation unfolding 
in Kosovo. Like the Armenian before them, ethnic Albanians are 
struggling for their dignity and their lives.
  That is why it is more critical than ever to revisit history, to 
listen and learn from the Armenian experience, and to honor the victims 
of the first genocide of this century. I am amazed that the Turkish 
government still refuses to admit its involvement in the atrocities, 
while at the same time our own government has yet to acknowledge the 
full extent of the genocide that occurred. When a tragedy of this 
magnitude takes place, it is our duty to face all the uncomfortable 
truths and to ensure that the story is not forgotten.
  History holds valuable lessons for us as we enter the new millennium. 
``Who remembers the Armenian?'' asked Adolf Hitler as he unleashed his 
wrath upon the Jews. This collective amnesia proved devastating. 
Fortunately, the answer is clear. We remember the Armenians. We 
remember the suffering of their people and will not allow their 
memories to fade.
  I proudly represent a large and vibrant Armenian community in my 
district in Massachusetts. Every year survivors of the Armenian 
Genocide and their descendants make public and vivid the hidden details 
of the Armenian Genocide as they participate in commemoration 
ceremonies in Boston, Lowell, and other areas in the Merrimack Valley. 
These same Armenian-Americans have made great contributions to society 
through a wide range of professions, and have significantly enriched 
the cultural life of the 5th District.
  Out of respect for them and for Armenians all over the world, let us 
renew our commitment here today that the American people will oppose 
any and all instances of genocide. We refuse to once again watch from 
afar, as the ethnic cleansing and genocide that ravaged the Armenians 
now plagues the people Kosovo. Our unified voices and actions must be 
strong and unequivocal. Violence born out of hatred and fear will never 
again be tolerated.

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