Congresswoman Laura Richardson Rises to Commemorate the Armenian Genocide

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of one of the darkest chapters in human history, the Armenian Genocide. April 24th marks the 97th commemoration of the first genocide of the 20th Century where Ottoman Turkish authorities ordered the systematic annihilation of more than 1.5 million Armenians. The Armenian Genocide was carried out from 1915 to 1923 through massacres, deportations, and death marches where hundreds of thousands were herded into the Syrian Desert to die of thirst and starvation. Modern-day Turkish authorities sadly have chosen to deny this chapter of history.

Notable scholars and historians who recognize the Armenian Genocide include the International Association of Genocide Scholars and the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity whose opinion is supported by 53 Nobel Laureates. Many international observers, including then Ambassador and later U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau, witnessed the nightmare firsthand and reported detailed accounts of the atrocities to their governments.

Mr. Speaker, the historical record is clear and the Armenian Genocide is a tragic fact. It must be acknowledged and remembered so that it will never be repeated.

As a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I know that the refusal of modern-day Turkey to acknowledge one of the worst examples of man's inhumanity in the 20th century haunts survivors of the Armenian Genocide, as well as their families. As a Member of Congress from California, which is home to more Armenian-Americans than any other, I believe this is not only an affront to the memory of the victims and to their descendants, but it does a disservice to the United States as it seeks to stand up for the victims of violence today.

The issue of recognizing the Armenian genocide and helping the Armenian people is neither a partisan nor geopolitical issue. Rather, it is a question of giving the Armenian people the justice they deserve. In doing so, we affirm the dignity of humankind everywhere.

It has been said that "all it takes for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing." This is one of the reasons I am proud to have joined with so many of my colleagues in cosponsoring the resolution affirming the occurrence of the Armenian genocide throughout my career in Congress. I will continue to do for as long as it takes.

In recognizing the Armenian Genocide we do not seek to persecute any person or state; we seek to build a path that will lead to reconciliation between Armenians and Turks. And in doing so, we will remain true to our nation's highest aspirations for justice and peace. It was President Lincoln who called us "better angels of our nation" when he said in his Second Inaugural Address that all Americans should "do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."

Mr. Speaker, the Armenian Genocide has been officially recognized by 42 states. These states have gone on public record rejecting any claim or assertion that denies the occurrence of one of history's worst crimes against humanity. I believe it is time for us to join these nations in that endeavor by passing H. Res. 304, the "Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution."

Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in memory of the millions of Armenian voices silenced by genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.

Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.