Speech #1090123755

I rise to join my colleagues in commemorating the 91st annual observance of the Armenian Genocide. Ninetyone years ago. there began a vast human tragedy with the execution of some 300 Armenian leaders. professionals and intellectuals. Over the next eight years. a brutal campaign of genocide against the Armenian people was carried out in the Ottoman Empire. leading to the deaths of over 1.5 million people and the deporting of another 500.000. Decade after decade there has been a failure to acknowledge the Armenian genocide. Today. while there is increased pressure on Turkey to acknowledge the facts of history. and some new voices have been raised to urge this acknowledgement. there remain efforts to evade this dark chapter in human history. as evidenced by a book recently sent to Congressional offices.