ARMENPAC Blog

by Congressman Joe Knollenberg

Last week marked the 93rd anniversary of the systematic and deliberate annihilation of the Armenians by the Ottoman Empire. To mark this solemn occasion, I took part in two events honoring the victims of the genocide.

At St. John’s Armenian Church in Southfield, Michigan I joined with hundreds of Armenian-Americans to pay homage to 1.5 million innocent men, women, and children that perished almost a century ago.

Just a few days later, in Washington, D.C., I co-hosted a commemoration event in the historic Ways and Means Committee Room on Capitol Hill.

This event was attended by Armenian-Americans from around the country, foreign dignitaries from Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian religious leaders, and several other Members of Congress. Dr. Gregory Stanton, President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, gave the keynote address and spoke eloquently about the seven stages of genocide, including the final stage of denial.

These annual events give the Armenian community a chance to educate the rest of the world on the Armenian Genocide. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I have worked extremely hard to ensure the Armenian Genocide is not forgotten. Our efforts can not just be on Capitol Hill, however. We must continue to educate the world that the genocide happened.

One must never forget the facts of history for fear of repeating the mistakes of the past.