WISCONSIN ARMENIANS COMMEMORATE THE GENOCIDE
Armenian Weekly
Thu, Apr 29 2010
MADISON, Wisc.-April 20, 2010 marked the 10th anniversary of the
adoption of Assembly Resolution 42, the Armenian Genocide Resolution
in the Wisconsin Assembly. In the years since, Armenian Americans from
around Wisconsin met at the State Capitol in Madison to commemorate
the Armenian Genocide. Along with 10 co-hosts, this event has been
arranged by the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Wisconsin to show
our appreciation following the adoption of that resolution in 2000.
Two years later the State Senate adopted a similar resolution. These
two resolutions declare April 24 of every year as a Wisconsin Day of
Remembrance for the Armenian Genocide of 1915 to 1923. Additionally,
the event helps to educate and promote awareness of Armenia and
Armenian issues, particularly the Armenian Genocide.
Zohrab Khaligian, representing the ANC of Wisconsin, presented
the welcoming message. Khaligian reflected on the past 10 years of
commemorations, noting, "We are fortunate that we have the state’s
support, that in 2000 and 2002 they passed resolutions to have a
day of remembrance every year in Wisconsin." He also spoke about
the worldwide events occurring over the past year. "Turkey needs to
forget its empire mentality. We are all equal and we are all part of
the same humanity. Until we are able to get on an equal footing with
all people, normalizing relations with all nations, the world will
continue to be in crisis," he said.
Each co-host was invited to speak during the commemoration.
Representative Peter Barca (Kenosha), who was a co-host for the first
time this year, was one of the original co-authors of the resolution in
Congress and the State House. He spoke of his trip to Armenia in 2002
for a leadership training program. Barca was "proud that the state
legislature passed this resolution in 2000 because it’s important
to remember these tragic events and tell the world that they should
never occur."
Senator Bob Wirch (Kenosha), another co-host, pointed out that the
"occurrence of genocide has been a dark stain on the world’s history.
We have to work together to make sure this never happens again."
Senator Jeff Plale (South Milwaukee) echoed these sentiments. He said,
"Words are powerful. Genocide is a powerful word. But it is the only
word that truly defines what happened 95 years ago."
Ryan Knocke, representing U.S. Senator Herb Kohl, and Katie Crawley,
representing U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, each brought statements to
be read from the senators. They commemorated the 95th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide and honored the Armenian American community
for their contributions to Wisconsin.
Representative Cory Mason (Racine) reiterated that "we have to accept
the truth about what has happened to us. Until we get to a point
where the world acknowledges what happened 95 years ago, we’re going
to be stuck."
Additionally, the following representatives and senators, and members
of their staff, were present at the event as co-hosts to show their
support: Rep. Peter Barca, Rep. Mark Honadel, Sen. Mary Lazich, Sen.
John Lehman, Rep. Cory Mason, Sen. Jeff Plale, Rep. Jeff Stone, Rep.
Bob Turner, Rep. Robin Vos, and Sen. Bob Wirch.
In his closing remarks, Khaligian stressed that we need to have a
constant and consistent presence in the State Capitol. "We need to
get involved and make as much noise as possible every year in this
building."
After enjoying some delicious homemade Armenian appetizers and
desserts, the attendees went to the viewing gallery of the Wisconsin
State Assembly to watch the representatives in session.
Co-host Bob Turner (Racine) welcomed the Armenians to the Capitol and
read Assembly Resolution 42 on the assembly floor. Earlier in the day
he stated, "You have to put what is right above other things, and it is
an honor to be involved in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide."
Other events in the Wisconsin area to commemorate the Armenian Genocide
took place later that week. These included a Joint Memorial Service
at St. Hagop Armenian Church in Racine on April 24; a commemorative
program and dinner with Dr. Carel Bertram and Dr.
Melissa Billal at St. Mesrob Armenian Church in Racine on April 25;
and a commemorative program and dinner at St. John Armenian Church
in Greenfield on April 25. Also, from April 18 to May 31 a traveling
exhibit-entitled "Legion Armenienne: The Armenian Legion and its
Heroism in the Middle East"-from the Armenian Library and Museum of
America (ALMA) will be at the Racine Public Library.
The Armenian National Committee is the largest Armenian American
grassroots political organization in Wisconsin and nationwide. The ANC
actively advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian
American community.