Commemorating the 103rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

Floor Speech

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Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with the Armenian community to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with my colleague, Congressman David Valadao. We both represent a large constituency of Armenians in the San Joaquin Valley.

On April 24, 1915, the Ottoman Empire began to systematically deport and kill 1.5 million Armenians, sending them to their death. It was systematic, it was planned. But as history has shown, the Armenian people are stronger than any attack, even genocide; the first genocide in the 20th century, by the way.

Many Armenians settled in California's San Joaquin Valley, where I was raised, and now I have the honor to represent. I heard their stories of their losses with their families, but I also saw their determination, their joy, and their strength, and their contributions to our community and to our Nation.

The Armenian people show us that we must move forward, but we must never forget where we are from and who we are; therefore, the Congress and the President must, sooner than later, officially go on record recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

Tonight, I stand with the Armenian people and commemorate their spirit. As we move forward, we must never forget.

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