[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14239]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2011

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th 
anniversary of the full declaration of Armenian independence on 
September 21st, and to acknowledge the numerous contributions of 
Armenian-Americans to the history, society, and culture of the United 
States.
  The legacy of the Armenian people is one of strength, resilience, and 
determination, and we pay tribute to those who struggled for and won 
their independence twenty years ago today.
  The thorny path to freedom is difficult for so many throughout the 
world, and I am proud to stand alongside the Armenian people as they 
continue to consolidate the gains of independence. Over the past two 
decades, Armenia has moved toward a modern, dynamic economy, reduced 
poverty and inequality, and built a vibrant civil society. I personally 
experienced the warmth and generosity of the Armenian people first-hand 
during my visit there.
  Here in the United States, the contributions of Armenian-Americans 
are innumerable. Hundreds of thousands of Armenian-Americans have 
contributed to the strength, prosperity and creativity of this country 
by leading the way in diverse fields such as medicine, literature, 
business, the arts, human rights, and science. The contributions of the 
Armenian-American community to the United States--and in particularly 
to life in New York--cannot be fully appreciated quantitatively. It can 
only be realized by those who walk the streets of New York and interact 
with the Armenian-American community there and throughout the country.
  All those of Armenian heritage throughout the world rightfully 
celebrate this national day with pride in their hearts and hope for the 
future. It is my honor to send congratulations to the people of 
Armenia, along with best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous year 
ahead.

                          ____________________