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Statement of President Barack Obama on Armenian Remembrance Day

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  • Statement of President Barack Obama on Armenian Remembrance Day

    States News Service, USA
    April 24, 2010 Saturday



    STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ON ARMENIAN REMEMBRANCE DAY

    WASHINGTON


    The following information was released by the White House:

    On this solemn day of remembrance, we pause to recall that ninety-five
    years ago one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century began. In
    that dark moment of history, 1.5 million Armenians were massacred or
    marched to their death in the final days of the Ottoman Empire.

    Today is a day to reflect upon and draw lessons from these terrible
    events. I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in
    1915, and my view of that history has not changed. It is in all of our
    interest to see the achievement of a full, frank and just
    acknowledgment of the facts. The Meds Yeghern is a devastating chapter
    in the history of the Armenian people, and we must keep its memory
    alive in honor of those who were murdered and so that we do not repeat
    the grave mistakes of the past. I salute the Turks who saved Armenians
    in 1915 and am encouraged by the dialogue among Turks and Armenians,
    and within Turkey itself, regarding this painful history. Together,
    the Turkish and Armenian people will be stronger as they acknowledge
    their common history and recognize their common humanity.

    Even as we confront the inhumanity of 1915, we also are inspired by
    the remarkable spirit of the Armenian people. While nothing can bring
    back those who were killed in the Meds Yeghern, the contributions that
    Armenians have made around the world over the last ninety-five years
    stand as a testament to the strength, tenacity and courage of the
    Armenian people. The indomitable spirit of the Armenian people is a
    lasting triumph over those who set out to destroy them. Many Armenians
    came to the United States as survivors of the horrors of 1915. Over
    the generations Americans of Armenian descent have richened our
    communities, spurred our economy, and strengthened our democracy. The
    strong traditions and culture of Armenians also became the foundation
    of a new republic which has become a part of the community of nations,
    partnering with the world community to build a better future.

    Today, we pause with them and with Armenians everywhere to remember
    the awful events of 1915 with deep admiration for their contributions
    which transcend this dark past and give us hope for the future.
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