“Today, we observe the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a tragedy that claimed the lives of 1.5 million people.  For Armenians around the world, the 104 years since the beginning of the four-year genocide has not lessened the pain and sorrow felt by the families who lost loved-ones and the communities that were uprooted.  I join with Armenian-Americans, many of whom are descendants of those who survived the genocide, in mourning the dead and honoring those who keep their memories alive.     “In the twenty-first century, we must safeguard the role of America as a bulwark against hatred, intolerance, and ethnic violence, wherever they may appear.  This nation serves as a refuge, as it has for centuries, for survivors of the Armenian Genocide, and it must continue to be a beacon of hope and safety for those fleeing danger.  As we come together in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide, let us recommit to ensuring that the United States remains a place welcoming to those who need to start anew in safety and freedom.”