AZG Armenian Daily #049, 17/03/2007
Social
AGBU 100-TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED IN NEW YORK
For long years, until recently, New York has been a vast field of
AGBU’s activity. Even before moving the AGBU center from Paris to New
York the national benevolent, cultural and education programs
implemented there for decades have been an example for other Armenian
institutions, not only in the USA but the whole wide-spread Diaspora.
After the Genocide the AGBU became the first biggest and most
important structure to render help to the Armenian communities
(especially in the Middle East) and Armenia itself. For sure, it was
not easy to meet every challenge, but if one studies thoroughly the
history of AGBU, it will become clear that the Union has had a role
equal to that of statehood, in sense of uniting the spread and broken
peaces of the Armenian nation, founding orphanages, education centers,
schools and clubs. Indeed the importance of AGBU in preserving the
Armenian national identity is indubitable.
The New York members of the Armenian General Benevolent Union long
expected the organization’s jubilee to be celebrated there, and the
opportunity was provided by the efforts of AGBU President. The event
took place on March 3, at the Museum of the New York Historical Union.
A documental film about the long years of AGBU activity was
demonstrated that evening. It is rather complicated to represent a 100
year-long history in 60 minutes but the generation of American
Armenians, brought up and educated in AGBU various institutions, was
deeply moved by recollection of well-known events, native names and
locations.
Episodes of the Armenian Youth Union activity were especially
sentimental to some participants of the celebration, among who surely
was also Berge Sedrakian.
Ervand Temirchian (grandsonb of one of the very first Armenian
philanthropists), John Hcerkezian and Nathalie Kaprielian made
comments on the film. That part of the celebration was concluded by
Hurik Keotlekian on behalf of the organization commission.
Then President Berge Sedrakian was Invited to say his word. He,
assuming the mission of Armenian national identity perseverance,
promised to insure the success of AGBU activity also in the next 100
years.
To the festive meeting were present eminent members of the AGBU –
Vice-President doc. Arshavir Keonjian, Sinan Sinanian, Sargis
Jepejian, Michael Ansour, Nazareth Fstekian. Archbishop Khajhak
Parsamian and US Congressman Frank Pallone were also present.
The guests would be happy to hear a few Armenian words in the festive
declaration, as the overwhelming majority of them spoke well and
understood Armenian. There were a few words about the Armenian
language, but not in Armenian language, although one of the priority
tasks of the AGBU for 100 years has been to preserve it and teach the
coming generations. (Perchance, this shameful negligence and
forgetfulness of Armenian was the reason that AGBU made decision to
sale the Melgonian Education Institution of Cyprus. – editorial)
Nevertheless this was a day of glory for AGBU, a worthy jubilee was
celebrated. Let us hope that the Benevolent Union will have even more
initiatives, projects and ideas in the coming years and realize them
with even more enthusiasm, being a trusty support for our people and
Homeland.
Happy Anniversary!
Hakop Vardivarian, New York