04/10/14 - Remarks submitted for the Congressional Record - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, also known as the Meds Yeghern or ``Great Crime,'' to those of Armenian descent.

In the wake of World War I, the Ottoman Empire launched a campaign of terror against Ottoman Armenians. From 1915 to 1923, forced deportations displaced 2 million Armenians. Unarmed men were separated from their families and were either forced into concentration camps or taken away to be executed. Innocent women and children were systematically stripped of their possessions and driven into what is now the Syrian Desert. During these ``Death Marches'' they were subjected to starvation, sickness, and abuse amid brutal conditions. In the end, nearly 1.5 million Armenians had lost their lives in what became the first genocide of the 20th century.

Although these atrocities occurred almost a century ago, it is imperative to remember the suffering that was endured as a result of unrestrained human malice. To acknowledge this truth is necessary, not just out of respect for our fellow citizens of Armenian descent, but also in hope that we can prevent such heinous crimes from occurring in the future. Very few survivors of the genocide are alive today, which makes preserving the memory and history of this crime even more important.

Today, I call on my colleagues to join me in somber remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during this dark period of history, and to honor the strength and resolve of the Armenian community still working to deal with this tragedy.

04/26/13 - Remarks submitted for the Congressional Record - Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

In the wake of World War I, the Ottoman Empire launched a campaign of terror against their own Armenian citizens. From 1915 to 1923, forced deportations displaced 2 million Armenians. Unarmed men were separated from their families and were either forced into concentration camps or taken away to be executed. Innocent women and children were systematically stripped of their possessions and driven into what is now the Syrian Desert. During these ``Death Marches'' they were subjected to starvation, sickness, and abuse amid brutal conditions. In the end, nearly 1.5 million Armenians had lost their lives in what became the first genocide of the 20th century.

Although these atrocities occurred almost a century ago, it is imperative to remember the suffering that was endured as a result of unrestrained human malice. To acknowledge this truth is necessary, not just out of respect for our fellow citizens of Armenian descent, but also in hope that we can prevent such heinous crimes from occurring in the future.

Today, I call on my colleagues to join me in somber remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished during this dark period of history, and to honor the strength and resolve of the Armenian community still working to overcome this tragedy.