Statement By Rep. Scott Garrett on Armenia’s 25th Independence Day

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I rise today to recognize Armenia’s twenty-fifth Independence Day on September 21st.

Both the United States and Armenia share the belief that remembering our countries’ heritages is critical to paving the path to tomorrow. In the first genocide of the 20th century, nearly 1.5 million Armenians perished at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. And, for much of the Twentieth Century, Armenia was under the brutal rule of the Soviet Union. Although history has presented the Armenian people with many challenges, they have always found a way to triumph in the face of daunting adversity.

The United States has consistently stood with Armenia over the last twenty-five years as the Armenian people have shown how a former Republic of the Soviet Union could transition into a thriving democratic nation-state. As we have seen around the world, new democracies will have their struggles. However, I am confident that the resiliency and strength of the Armenian people will allow them to overcome any obstacles challenging their country’s bright future.

I would again like to congratulate the people of Armenia on their twenty-fifth Independence Day. This anniversary is a time to remember the sacrifices of the past and to look ahead to a future.

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