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Contact: Karen Lightfoot
(202) 225-3976
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Rep. Waxman Statement on the Commemoration of Armenian Genocide
Washington,
Apr 22, 2009 -
Today marks the 94th Anniversary of the beginning of the Armenian genocide. This devastating event is a reminder that we cannot allow for such atrocities to happen again. It is unacceptable to witness thousands of innocent victims suffer and die without taking any action.
Ninety-four years ago, the Ottoman Turks began their attempts to exterminate the Armenian people. From 1915 until 1923, 1.5 million Armenians were tortured and killed. Men were separated from their families and murdered; women and children were forced to march across the Syrian desert without water, food, or possessions; many died of hunger or thirst or were killed when they lagged behind during the forced marches into the desert.
These acts of intolerance cannot be termed anything but genocide. We must honor and recognize those who survived but also remember those who perished. Acknowledging the commemoration of the Armenian genocide, is an important to tribute to the Armenian people, especially the American-Armenian community.
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Representative Henry A. Waxman 30th District of California
