COMMEMORATING THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
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HON. JOHN F. TIERNEY
of massachusetts
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I join my fellow members of the
Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues, and a large number of my
colleagues, as we rightfully recognize, remember, and renounce the
Armenian genocide.
I rise today to speak on one of the most unspeakable acts that ever
came to pass. Beginning in 1915, innocent and unsuspecting Armenians of
all ages were led by Ottoman Empire officials from their villages to
their brutal death. Such atrocities endured for eight years. By 1923,
an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were massacred.
While this tragedy of incomprehensible proportions was being
perpetrated, the world stood idle. Prominent nations remained silent in
the face of skyrocketing death tolls in this corner of Europe. Today
and throughout this month, as we reflect and remember the victims of
the Armenian genocide, we must also repudiate our unresponsiveness to
this horrible mass murder.
Lastly, on behalf of the Sixth District of Massachusetts, I would
like to praise the commitment and perseverance of Armenian-Americans,
who have tirelessly labored to ensure that all know the tragic story
and great sorrow of their people. Their efforts in this regard are
laudable and serve as the best legacy they can leave to succeeding
generations.