[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5466]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      WELCOMING THE GUEST CHAPLAIN

  Mr. REED. Madam President, I am honored to be here today to welcome 
His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Archbishop Choloyan serves as 
the Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of 
America. He has led the Eastern Prelacy since 1998, and he plays a 
significant role as the spiritual shepherd for several thousand 
Armenian Americans from Maine to Florida and west to Texas.
  In Rhode Island, we are extremely blessed to have the Archbishop as 
such a strong spiritual and community leader. We continue to benefit 
from his wisdom, his compassion, and his generous spirit. It is an 
honor to have him here today as we not only listen to his moving and 
thoughtful words, but also as we commemorate the 97th anniversary of 
the Armenian genocide.
  Ninety-seven years ago, on April 24, 1915, the Young Turk leaders of 
the Ottoman Empire summoned and executed over 200 Armenian community 
leaders and intellectuals, beginning an 8-year campaign of oppression 
and massacre. By 1923, nearly 1\1/2\ million Armenians were killed, and 
over a half million survivors were exiled. These atrocities affected 
the lives of every Armenian living in Asia Minor and, indeed, 
throughout the world.
  The survivors of the Armenian genocide, however, persevered due to 
their unbreakable spirit, their steadfast resolve, and their deep 
commitment to their faith and their families. They went on to enrich 
their countries of emigration, including the United States, with their 
centuries-old customs, their culture, and their innate decency.
  In fact, not only were the Ottomans unable to destroy the Armenian 
Empire, they strengthened it. And the participation of Armenians 
worldwide has made this world a much better place. Indeed, my home 
State is a much better place. That is why today we not only commemorate 
this grave tragedy but celebrate the traditions, the contributions, and 
the extraordinary hard work and decency of the Armenian Americans and 
Armenians throughout the world.
  This year I once again join my colleagues in encouraging the United 
States to officially recognize the Armenian genocide. Denial of this 
history is not consistent with our country's sensitivity to human 
rights and our dedication to the highest and noblest principles that 
should govern the world. We must continue to educate our young people 
against this type of hatred and oppression so we can seek to prevent 
such crimes against humanity in the future. It was indeed an honor to 
be here to listen to the wise words of the Archbishop, to hear his 
prayer, his reflection, and to go forth knowing that he is a powerful 
force in our country for tolerance and decency. I thank him for being 
here today.
  With that, I yield the floor.

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