System of a Down Members Comment on President Biden Recognizing the Armenian Genocide

2021-04-28

Serj Tankian of System of a Down performing live at DTE Energy Music Theatre.

Serj Tankian of System of a Down – Story by Anne Erickson, photo by Ken Settle

Serj Tankian and John Dolmayan of System of a Down are thanking U.S. President Joe Biden for formally recognizing the Armenian Genocide

President Joe Biden recently became the first U.S. president to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide. Now, two members of the Armenian-American heavy metal band System of a Down are commenting on the monumental move.

In a formal statement sent out last Saturday (April 24), which was Armenian Remembrance Day, President Biden said, “Today, as we mourn what was lost, let us also turn our eyes to the future—toward the world that we wish to build for our children…Let us renew our shared resolve to prevent future atrocities from occurring anywhere in the world. And let us pursue healing and reconciliation for all the people of the world.”

President Biden added, “The American people honor all those Armenians who perished in the genocide that began 106 years ago today.”

System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian took to Instagram to thank President Biden for his words, stating, “Thank you to President Joe Biden for properly recognizing the #ArmenianGenocide.”

“This is extremely important but only a milestone towards the long road of justice ahead with Turkey and its imminent need to do the same and make amends towards the descendants of 1.5 Million Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians systematically slaughtered by its Ottoman Turkish ancestors,” Tankian added. “Today, I will say thank you to the U.S. and all those who have fought hard for this statement over the years.”

System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan, who is known for being a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump, also took to Instagram to thank President Biden for his actions.

“I would like to thank President @joebiden for recognizing officially that the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) happened and that this crime against humanity emboldened Hitler and many other genocidal dictators throughout the last century,” Dolmayan stated. “I will forever be grateful to this administration as an Armenian and as a proud American.”

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Anne Erickson

Meet the expert - Author, writer and editor Anne Erickson is a Detroit-based music reporter and radio host. She has written for the USA Today Network, Consequence.net, Blabbermouth.net, Loudwire.com and many more. Anne holds a master's degree from Michigan State University. Contact Anne at anne@audioinkradio.com.