[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[April 24, 2001]
[Pages 448-449]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Message on the Observance of Armenian Remembrance Day
April 24, 2001

    Today marks the commemoration of one of the great tragedies of 
history: the forced exile and annihilation of approximately 1.5 million 
Armenians in the closing years of the Ottoman Empire. These infamous 
killings darkened the 20th century and continue to haunt us to this day. 
Today, I join Armenian Americans and the Armenian community abroad to 
mourn the loss of so many innocent lives. I ask all Americans to reflect 
on these terrible events.
    While we mourn the tragedy that scarred the history of the Armenian 
people, let us also celebrate their indomitable will which

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has allowed Armenian culture, religion, and identity to flourish through 
the ages. Let us mark this year the 1700th anniversary of the 
establishment of Christianity in Armenia. Let us celebrate the spirit 
that illuminated the pages of history in 451 when the Armenians refused 
to bow to Persian demands that they renounce their faith. The Armenian 
reply was both courageous and unequivocal: ``From this faith none can 
shake us, neither angels, nor men, neither sword, fire or water, nor any 
bitter torturers.'' This is the spirit that survived again in the face 
of the bitter fate that befell so many Armenians at the end of the 
Ottoman Empire.
    Today, that same spirit not only survives, but thrives in Armenian 
communities the world over. Many Armenian survivors and their 
descendants chose to live in the United States, where they found safety 
and built new lives. We are grateful for the countless ways in which 
Armenian Americans continue to enrich America's science, culture, 
commerce and, indeed, all aspects of our national life.
    One of the most important ways in which we can honor the memory of 
Armenian victims of the past is to help modern Armenia build a secure 
and prosperous future. I am proud that the United States actively 
supports Armenia and its neighbors in finding a permanent and fair 
settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. I hope that this year we 
will see peace and reconciliation flourish in the south Caucasus region 
between Armenia and all its neighbors. The United States welcomes the 
opportunity to support the courageous efforts by the Armenian people to 
overcome years of hardship and Soviet repression to create a prospering, 
democratic, and sovereign Republic of Armenia.
    Let us remember the past and let its lessons guide us as we seek to 
build a better future. In the name of the American people, I extend my 
heartfelt best wishes to all Armenians as we observe this solemn day of 
remembrance.

                                                          George W. Bush