[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6795]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             THE 93RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 93rd 
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Our voices, as well as those of 
Armenian-Americans across the nation, are essential in the effort to 
bring needed attention to such a historic tragedy. The Armenian-
American community has made tremendous contributions to our country, 
and their efforts and passion will help ensure that those who lost 
their lives will not be forgotten.
  Today, we pay tribute to the memory of those who died, reflect on all 
those who have suffered from such prejudice, and vow to raise awareness 
so that such an atrocity never occurs again. As a member of the 
Armenian Caucus and a cosponsor of the genocide resolution, I will keep 
fighting to ensure that the Armenian Genocide is appropriately 
recognized.
  It is a shame that we have not learned from our mistakes in the past 
regarding genocide, but it is not too late to heal these wounds and 
also help end atrocities occurring as we speak. With the Olympics 
taking place this year, it is my hope that all nations can come 
together and play a constructive role in ending violence in places like 
Darfur. In the spirit of the Olympics, we must come together as one and 
make clear that we all stand with the world against genocide and human 
rights abuses. It is our duty to end this human suffering, and I will 
continue to work with my colleagues in Washington, DC, to promote 
healing and peace throughout the world.
  I am also very proud that my fellow Rhode Islanders have been 
actively involved in calling attention to this issue, and I urge them 
to continue to make their voices heard. As an ardent supporter of Rhode 
Island's Armenian-American community throughout my public service 
career, I join my colleagues today in honoring the victims of the 
genocide by paying tribute to their memory, showing compassion for 
those who have suffered from such prejudice, and never forgetting the 
pain that they have endured.

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