Letter: Please recognize the loss of 1.5 million Armenian Martyrs

April 24th, 2021 is certainly a sacred day, as it is the 106th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Our Armenian history is well documented, save for a select few who seem to think that having a revisionist’s view of history somehow changes it. It will never be forgotten that on April 24, 1915, most Armenian doctors, educators, writers, intellectuals, lawyers and community leaders were rounded up and viciously killed, or forced into death marches. This massacre left over 1.5 million Armenian dead from the actions of Young Turk Government members.

Genocide across the world has had a profound effect, and there is no doubt that this was a horrific incident, encased in a horrid part of history. Unspeakable crimes, committed by undeserving-to-mention individuals, and by a community and government who still to this day overwhelmingly denies this history.

We must recognize the happenings of 106 years ago. Wounds heal, but scars certainly remain. The healing process truly begins when all involved take responsibility for their role. We will never be able to change what happened, but we can all help with continuing to educate, so that history never repeats itself.

Armenian-Americans and human rights supporters must continue to teach individuals of this history, and show pride in the Armenian heritage. We must take time to reflect and remember all of our family and friends whose lives were taken away from them. There is no mistake that we have a dark cloud hanging over our heritage due to horrific actions from others. However, we also have a ray of sunshine shining through, and that is our successes and survival.

The Armenian diaspora, although heartbreaking in its impetus, has given Armenian people a new opportunity. This opportunity gives us the chance to prove that we, and our culture, will survive and flourish everywhere that we live, throughout this great world.

Sincerely,

Proud Armenian-American, and State Representative, David Muradian