Reflecting on Armenian Genocide

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent a large and vibrant Armenian community in my congressional district.

On behalf of those constituents, I rise today to recognize the 109th commemoration of the Armenian genocide.

From 1915 to 1916, the Ottoman Empire systematically massacred the Armenian people. According to the U.S. Holocaust Museum, up to as many as 1.2 million Armenians were killed.

This genocide is one of the most painful moments in the world's history, yet, sadly, it is not spoken about much. We can never deny or forget the systemic and individual killing and mistreatment of Armenians.

We must learn from that terrible history and never lose focus on protecting oppressed and vulnerable people. We owe that to the victims and their descendants, who are still reeling and suffering from this cruel and unjust atrocity.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in standing with the Armenian community. We should all make time to reflect on this solemn day of remembrance.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source