CROWLEY HONORS 93RD ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
States News Service
May 14, 2008 Wednesday
The following information was released by the office of New York
Rep. Joseph Crowley:
Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Congressman Joseph
Crowley (D-Queens,Bronx), submitted the following remarks for the
record in honor of the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian genocide:
Madame Speaker – I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 93rd
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Since being elected to the U.S. Congress, I have come to the floor of
the House every year to solemnly remember the atrocities that began on
April 24, 1915 – when the Ottoman government ordered the deportation
of 2.5 million Armenians and oversaw the murder 1.5 million Armenian
men, women, and children.
Today, as I stand for the 10th time in recognition of the Armenian
genocide, I do so with one major distinction from years past. This
year is different because the House Foreign Affairs Committee has
formally recognized the Armenian Genocide. Last October, under the
leadership of the late Chairman Tom Lantos, the Committee passed
House Resolution 106.
As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I was proud to have
been a part of this vote. And, as a strong supporter of the Armenian
community, I will be proud when the full House of Representatives
considers H.Res.106.
In 2003, during my first visit to Armenia, I planted a tree at
the Genocide memorial and paid homage to those who perished and
suffered. It was a somber day, just like today’s anniversary of the
Armenian genocide. We not only participate in these events to remember
the past, but also so we never forget.
We must never forget the horrific events that took place 93 years
ago. We must never forget those who were wrongly imprisoned, those
who suffered and died, or those who lost their families and loved
ones. And, most importantly, we must never forget that we must never
let such atrocities occur again.
Madame Speaker, today, as we commemorate the 93rd Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide, I urge the House to prevent history from repeating
itself by finally recognizing the past.