Knights and Daughters of Vartan Commend the Passing of HR 269

By Grand Commander Steven R. Adams  and Grand Matron Alice Kalustian

(FRESNO) — The Knights and Daughters of Vartan, established over 100 years ago as an aftermath of the Genocide of our people at the hands of the Ottoman Turkish government, commends the action of the United States House of Representatives with the passing of House Resolution 269.  The recognition of the Armenian Genocide is a critical and necessary step in our quest for recognition of the systematic extermination of 1.5 million Armenian people. 

The Armenian quest for total recognition is important for all humanity.  It is only through the recognition of our past that we can grow and mature together as nations being willing to stand up for what is right.

To those 405 representatives who voted in favor of the resolution, we say thank you.  Thank you for having the courage to stand up, not just for the Armenian people, but for all who suffer at the hands of an oppressive government.  In his book “A Shameful Act: The Armenian Genocide and the Question of Turkish Responsibility”, Dr. Taner Akcam states, “The attempt to justify and rationalize the death of a whole nation, including women, children, the old and infirm, must itself be considered a crime against humanity.”  The Genocide of the Armenian people in 1915 was a crime, and the continual denial is a continuation of that crime. 

It’s hard to imagine the land where our grandparents once lived is devoid of Armenians today.  Our beautiful churches which stood for centuries destroyed.  The land stripped of the population that lived there for centuries. 

While our quest for recognition is an important step, continual denial by the Republic of Turkey is a continuation of the Genocide. The US House of Representatives bravely declared the truth, let the Republic of Turkey take notice.

Again the Knights and Daughters of Vartan wish to thank the Representatives that supported and helped pass HR. 269