Recognize the crimes of the Armenian Genocide

April 24 is the 102nd commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Many thought that the 100th anniversary would be “the year.” The year the U.S. government would declare recognition and join Canada, Italy and Russia among many others. The U.S. government must recognize the Armenian Genocide.

The genocide started in 1915 when the Young Turks rounded up hundreds of Armenians and hanged many in the streets of Constantinople, before taking others to the desert to march until they died. More than 1.5 million were killed and more were displaced from their ancestral homelands in the Armenian Highlands. Each year, on April 24, Armenians honor the victims.

Governments of 26 countries and 45 U.S. states recognize the genocide. The U.S. is home to the second-largest Armenian community outside of Armenia, yet the U.S. government doesn’t recognize the genocide. The act of non-recognition puts the U.S. government on the level of countries with horrible human rights records like Azerbaijan and Turkey.

The U.S. government cannot deny the death of the innocent Armenians that was the genocide. Take the time to honor those who suffered, this April 24 during the 102nd commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Remember, recognize, honor. Never again.

This story was originally published April 22, 2017 at 3:52 PM with the headline "Recognize the crimes of the Armenian Genocide."