Congressional Record: April 20, 2005 (Senate)
[Page S4011]
>>From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr20ap05-111]

OBSERVANCE OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the victims and
commemorate the 90th anniversary of the tragic Armenian Genocide, where
over 1.5 million Armenian men, women and children were systematically
killed, and over 500,000 Armenians were displaced. This was the first
genocide of the 20th century, and one where the international community
failed to intervene to stop the killing.
We have learned a great deal since those dark days. We learned that
the world cannot sit on the sidelines as systematic massacres of
innocents take place. We learned that the rule of law must be upheld,
and that violations of law must have consequences. And, we learned that
the Armenian people are a strong, proud and persevering people who
could not be defeated. Today, hundreds of thousands of Armenian
Americans live in the United States, and I am proud to represent a
thriving Armenian-American population–3,000 strong–in Nevada.
But we must never forget the painful lessons learned from the
Armenian Genocide. This week, events around my State and the Nation
will recognize this important anniversary. I am grateful for the strong
and active work of the Armenian-American community in Las Vegas, who
will hold their annual commemoration on April 24. To the Armenian
American Cultural Society of Las Vegas and to the work of Mr. John
Dadaian, I say thank you for all that you have done for the people of
Nevada, and Armenia.
I am also proud of the fine work done by the University of Nevada’s
Center of Holocaust, Genocide and Peace Studies to inform the public
about the horrors of the Armenian Genocide. Raising awareness and
educating today’s generations about the horrors of genocide is crucial
for a safer, more peaceful future. That is why I was so proud to join
my friend and colleague, Senator Ensign, in cosponsoring a resolution
commemorating the signing of the Genocide Convention.
The people of Armenia suffered greatly during the 20th century. We
cannot allow genocide to occur ever again. So today I come to the
Senate floor to honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide and pledge
to uphold their sacrifice by standing against genocide and the
systematic killing of innocents wherever it may occur again.