The Armenian Genocide happened 109 years ago. Why people must not forget the tragedy

To the Editor:

April 24th marks the 109th 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.

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. The massacre left more than 1.5 million Armenian dead from the actions of Young Turk government members.

Genocide throughout 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 109 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. We must take time to reflect and remember all of our family and friends whose lives were taken. 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.

State Rep. David Muradian

Grafton

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Responsibility must be taken for Armenian Genocide: MA state rep