Today we commemorate the Meds Yeghern and honor those who
perished in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Ninety-eight years ago, 1.5 million Armenians
were massacred or marched to their deaths in the final days of the Ottoman
Empire. We pause to reflect on the lives
extinguished and remember the unspeakable suffering that occurred. In so doing, we are joined by millions
across the world and in the United States, where it is solemnly commemorated by
our states, institutions, communities, and families. We also remind ourselves of our commitment
to ensure that such dark chapters of history are not repeated.
***
Below is the full text of the statement issued by
President Obama on Armenian Remembrance Day on April 24, 2013. To read the
ANCA’s response click here.
Today we commemorate the Meds Yeghern and honor those who
perished in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Ninety-eight years ago, 1.5 million Armenians
were massacred or marched to their deaths in the final days of the Ottoman
Empire. We pause to reflect on the lives
extinguished and remember the unspeakable suffering that occurred. In so doing, we are joined by millions
across the world and in the United States, where it is solemnly commemorated by
our states, institutions, communities, and families. We also remind ourselves of our commitment
to ensure that such dark chapters of history are not repeated.
I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred
in 1915, and my view has not changed. A
full, frank, and just acknowledgement of the facts is in all of our
interests. Nations grow stronger by
acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past, thereby building
a foundation for a more just and tolerant future. We appreciate this lesson in the United
States, as we strive to reconcile some of the darkest moments in our own
history. We recognize those courageous
Armenians and Turks who have already taken this path, and encourage more to do
so, with the backing of their governments, and mine.
The history and legacy of the Armenian people is marked
by an indomitable spirit, and a great resiliency in the face of tremendous
adversity and suffering. The United
States is stronger for the contributions Armenian-Americans have made to our
society, our culture, and our communities.
In small measure we return that contribution by supporting the Armenian
people as they work toward building a nation that would make their ancestors
proud: one that cherishes democracy and respect for human liberty and dignity.
Today we stand with Armenians everywhere in recalling the
horror of the Meds Yeghern, honoring the memory of those lost, and affirming
our enduring commitment to the people of Armenia.
ANCA Responds to Obama ‘Armenian Remembrance Day’
Statement
By Weekly Staff //
“Sadly, President Obama chose today not to lead, but
rather to follow Ankara’s gag-rule on his Administration’s condemnation and
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. His public retreat, under Turkish
pressure, comes despite his own pledges to acknowledge this crime and our
government’s record, dating back more than half a century, of having recognized
the Armenian Genocide as a clear case of genocide.”
***
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Executive
Director issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s April 24th
“Armenian Remembrance Day” message, which once against stops short of properly
characterizing the crime as ‘genocide.’
“Sadly, President Obama chose today not to lead, but
rather to follow Ankara’s gag-rule on his Administration’s condemnation and
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. His public retreat, under Turkish
pressure, comes despite his own pledges to acknowledge this crime and our
government’s record, dating back more than half a century, of having recognized
the Armenian Genocide as a clear case of genocide.”
“Our President’s complicity in Turkey’s denial of truth
and its ongoing obstruction of justice will not derail our progress toward a
truthful, fair, and comprehensive international resolution of Turkey’s still
unpunished crime against the Armenian nation.”
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