Dear Friends:I wish I could have joined you this evening as you gather to hear Dr. Vahakn Dadrian speak on his research on the Armenian Genocide. I had recently the opportunity to review Dr. Dadrian's book, The History of the Armenian Genocide, and was not only once again appalled by the atrocities suffered by the Armenian population, but was also reminded of how the world has yet to acknowledge the scope and meaning of this tragedy.
Through his studies, Dr. Dadrian has chronicled a history that was not before fully recognized or understood. His comprehensive and authoritative work has brought to light an important part of our world history and spawned debates in both academic and international diplomatic circles about how best to use the lessons of the Armenian genocide to avoid future inhumanity.
I had the great fortune of visiting with several members of Austin's Armenian community at one of my recent Neighborhood Office Hours. I commend each of them, and every one of you here this evening, for your dedication to your cultural heritage and your diligence in pursuing recognition for the many of your ancestors who needlessly perished.
As most of you know, the House of Representatives is currently considering House Concurrent Resolution 47, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, which honors the memory of those who died in the Armenian genocide and encourages Turkey to acknowledge and commemorate the atrocities committed against the Armenian population. I am fully committed to working for passage of this important Resolution, and will remain vigilant in my efforts to prevent similar acts of barbarism in the future.
I hope to have another opportunity to be with you soon. Please enjoy your evening.
Sincerely,
Lloyd Doggett