‘Anguish and Policy’ Over Martyrs Day Resolution

In your editorial you wrote “neither the actions nor the outrages of the Ottoman past can justify congressional action.” Justify the atrocities? I myself experienced the cruelty during my teen years.

I am now 82 years old. I have lived and felt on my own skin the kind of pain many people suffered. I witnessed many girls my own age sexually abused, raped, then thrown to their death.

I owe my life to the American missionaries who kept me and many like myself alive. They gave us food and comfort and the only thing they wanted in return was a smile. Your blood is no match compared to those beautiful people.

Is it so much to ask of the Turkish government to admit with dignity and in a civilized manner the Ottoman Empire’s wrongdoing? This in itself would satisfy the majority of the Armenian people.

There is no doubt, if you would permit me in saying, in your mind as well as theirs that the genocide actually happened, as it did to 6 million Jewish people. In my opinion, admittance brings respect and follows with forgiveness. It would truly open new avenues such as friendship.

YEBRAKSI ARAKELIAN

Los Angeles